Love garlic?
Why not grow it at home?
It’s easier than you think. Here are 10 simple tactics to grow garlic indoors. Fresh garlic anytime, right from your kitchen!
Let’s get started!
Pick the Right Garlic Variety
First things first, choose the best garlic variety for indoor growing. Softneck garlic is usually your best bet since it’s better suited for mild conditions.
You can pick up a bulb from your local nursery or even use organic garlic from the grocery store. Just make sure it isn’t treated with chemicals to prevent sprouting.
Prepare Your Garlic Cloves
Break apart the garlic bulb and separate the cloves, leaving the papery husk on. Each clove is like a mini garlic factory waiting to happen, so make sure you pick the healthiest, largest ones for planting.
You can snack on the smaller cloves or save them for cooking.
Choose a Good Container
Next, you need a good container. A pot with a depth of at least 6 inches is perfect for garlic.
Make sure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Also, consider using a shallow tray or multiple smaller pots if you want to grow more cloves at once.
Use Quality Soil
Garlic loves rich, well-draining soil. A good mix is regular potting soil combined with some compost for nutrients.
If you happen to have some perlite or sand, mix it in to improve drainage. This will make your garlic super happy!
Plant the Cloves
Plant each clove with the pointy end facing up, about 2 inches deep in the soil. Space them roughly 4 inches apart if you’re planting multiple cloves in the same pot.
Pat down the soil gently to make sure the cloves are snug and secure.
Water Wisely
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water your garlic lightly once every few days.
You don’t want it sitting in water, so make sure your pot drains well. Overwatering can lead to fungal issues, and nobody wants that!
Get Some Sunlight
Place your garlic pot in a sunny spot, like a windowsill. Garlic needs around 6 hours of sunlight a day to thrive.
If you’re short on natural light, a grow light can work wonders. Aim for a full-spectrum LED light to mimic the sun.
Monitor and Care
As your garlic grows, keep an eye on it for any issues like yellowing leaves or pests. If you spot anything, address it quickly to keep your plants healthy.
Remove any yellow leaves to let the plant focus energy on new growth.
Harvest Time
In about 8-10 months, your garlic should be ready to harvest. Once the green tops start to turn brown and die back, you can gently dig up the bulbs.
Brush off excess soil, and let them cure in a dry, airy spot for a couple of weeks before using.
Enjoy Your Homegrown Garlic
Finally, relish in the flavor of your homegrown garlic! Use it fresh in your recipes or store it in a cool, dry place to enjoy later.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking with garlic you grew yourself!