Garlic blubs need to dry like onions. they should dry outside in an airy protected spot for a few days until the leaves are dried up. Afterward, cut the leaves off, or braid them and hang them in a cool, dark place. You can also store the bulbs in nylon stockings, tie one off, then put another one on top of it, so they are not touching each other until the stocking is filled up....same with onions. hang and store in the basement and they will last longer. As far as sand, I did hear of such a method, but not experienced with it.