Garlic is a versatile and flavorful addition to many dishes, and growing it at home in containers can be both enjoyable and rewarding. This method involves starting with whole garlic heads, cutting off the top around the tough neck, and then placing the entire head in water to encourage growth. Once the garlic head has sprouted, you can divide it into individual cloves and plant those in containers filled with soil. Container gardening allows those with limited space or less-than-ideal outdoor conditions to enjoy a bountiful harvest of homegrown garlic. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of successfully growing garlic in containers using this unique method.
Materials you need
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- Garlic heads (onions)
- A container or pot with drainage holes
- High-quality potting soil
- Watering can or spray bottle
- Sunlight or a grow light
- A sunny and well-ventilated place
Step 1: Choose your garlic heads
Choose healthy garlic heads from a reliable source or your local nursery. Look for bulbs that are plump, firm, and free of mold or disease. Generally, varieties with larger cloves are recommended for home growing.
Step 2: Prepare the garlic heads
Take each garlic clove and cut the top off around the hard neck, being careful not to damage the cloves in the process. This step encourages the garlic to germinate.
Step 3: Start the germination process
Fill a shallow container or tray with water, just enough to cover the base of the garlic head without submerging it. Place the cut garlic head in the container with the top (cut) side facing up. Place the container in a sunny spot or under a grow light. Change the water regularly to prevent rot and encourage healthy sprouting. After a few weeks, you should see green shoots appearing at the top.
Step 4: Transplanting into containers
Once the sprouts are about 3 to 4 inches tall, it’s time to transplant them into containers. Choose a container that’s at least 6 to 8 inches deep and has drainage holes to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
Fill the container with high-quality potting soil, leaving about 5 cm of space to the edge.
Carefully separate the garlic head into individual cloves, making sure each clove has a healthy sprout. Place these cloves in the container with the sprouted tip just below the soil surface.
Carefully cover the cloves with soil and water.
Step 5: Caring for your garlic plants
Follow the care instructions in the previous version of this article (Step 5) to provide your garlic plants with the sunlight, water, fertilizer and care they need.
Step 6: Harvest
Garlic is usually ready to harvest when the lower leaves begin to turn yellow and die, usually in late spring or early summer. Dig up the bulbs carefully, being careful not to damage them. Cure the bulbs by drying them in a cool, well-ventilated place for a few weeks.
Diploma
Growing garlic at home in containers using the water sprouting method is a rewarding and relatively simple process. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful garlic bulbs that you’ve nurtured from start to finish. Whether you’re tight on garden space or just want to try your hand at container gardening, this method allows you to enjoy the flavor of home-grown garlic in your favorite dishes. Happy gardening!