Discover expert tips for successfully growing garlic indoors in just 5 easy steps.
Step 1: Selecting the right garlic bulbs
When selecting garlic bulbs for indoor growing, it’s important to choose the right variety that will thrive in a container environment. Look for garlic bulbs that are specifically labeled as suitable for indoor or container growing. Softneck garlic varieties, such as ‘Chilean Silverskin’ and ‘California Early’, are good options as they tend to yield better results in indoor setups, especially if the goal is to harvest garlic bulbs. These varieties are also known for their mild flavor and ease of growing, making them ideal for indoor cultivation.
Additionally, when selecting garlic bulbs, it’s important to choose bulbs that are firm and healthy-looking. Avoid bulbs that are soft, moldy, or damaged. Look for bulbs with large, plump cloves as these will have a higher chance of successful germination and growth. It’s also a good idea to purchase organic garlic bulbs, as they are less likely to have been treated with growth inhibitors or pesticides that could affect their ability to sprout and grow indoors.
When selecting garlic bulbs, consider the space you have available for indoor growing. If you have limited space, choose bulbs that can produce a good yield of bulbs in a small area. Conversely, if you have more space, you can select a variety that produces larger bulbs but may require more room to grow effectively.
Recommended Garlic Varieties for Indoor Growing:
- Allium sativum ‘Chilean Silverskin’
- Allium sativum ‘California Early’
- Allium sativum ‘California Late’
These varieties are well-suited for indoor cultivation and can provide a bountiful harvest of garlic bulbs or greens for your indoor garden.
Step 2: Preparing the right growing environment
Choosing the right location
When growing garlic indoors, it’s important to choose the right location for your pots. Look for a spot that receives six to eight hours of bright light daily. If natural light is not available, consider using a grow light to provide the necessary light for the plants to thrive. A south- or west-facing window is ideal for indoor garlic, but if that’s not an option, a grow light can be a suitable alternative.
Selecting the right container
The container you choose for growing garlic indoors is crucial to the success of your plants. A simple terra-cotta pot at least 6 inches deep is a good option, as long as it has a drainage hole to prevent waterlogging. If you prefer to use other containers, make sure to drill drainage holes in the bottom to ensure proper drainage. The width of the container will depend on how many garlic cloves you plan to grow, so choose a suitable size based on your needs.
Providing the right care
In addition to light and container selection, it’s important to provide the right care for your indoor garlic plants. Consistent watering is essential, ensuring that the potting soil feels moist but not soggy. If you’re growing garlic bulbs, consider fertilizing the plants twice a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Pay attention to the temperature and humidity in your home, as average home conditions are suitable for growing garlic indoors. Lastly, be mindful of potential pest issues and take steps to prevent them in your indoor growing environment.
Step 3: Planting garlic cloves
Separate the cloves
After chilling the garlic bulbs, gently break the garlic cloves apart with your fingers, keeping as much papery skin on the cloves as possible. As you work, inspect the cloves and discard any that look damaged, moldy, or soft.
Add soil
Next, fill the growing container with a standard, well-draining potting mix, adding enough to reach about 2 inches below the pot’s rim.
Plant the cloves
Place the garlic cloves, pointed ends up, in the pot and press each clove about halfway into the potting mix. If you want to grow multiple garlic cloves in a single pot, space each clove at least 6 inches apart. If you just want to harvest greens, you can plant cloves closer together but not touching.
List:
– Separate the cloves gently and discard any damaged or moldy ones
– Fill the container with well-draining potting mix
– Plant the cloves with the pointed ends up and space them at least 6 inches apart for bulbs, or closer together for greens
Step 4: Caring for indoor garlic plants
Provide the right amount of light
Indoor garlic plants require at least six hours of bright indirect light daily to grow properly. This is particularly important if you want to grow garlic bulbs rather than greens. If you have a bright south- or west-facing window, locate your garlic pots there. If you don’t have enough bright light indoors, add a grow light to the environment.
Water consistently
Garlic should be watered consistently so the well-draining potting soil feels moist but never soggy. If you’re in doubt about whether the garlic needs water, feel the soil. If the soil is dry to the touch, it’s time to water the plants.
Provide the right balance of nutrients
While growing garlic for greens doesn’t require fertilizer, when you grow garlic bulbs, fertilize the garlic twice a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, following the instructions on the packaging. This will ensure that your garlic plants have the nutrients they need to grow healthy and flavorful bulbs.
List:
– Provide the right amount of light
– Water consistently
– Provide the right balance of nutrients
Step 5: Harvesting and storing your indoor garlic
After patiently tending to your indoor garlic, it’s time to reap the rewards of your hard work. When growing garlic for greens, you can start harvesting the greens about 7 to 10 days after planting. Simply snip off the greens with clean kitchen shears, leaving about 1 inch of the greens on the cloves to encourage them to resprout. This will allow you to enjoy multiple harvests of fresh garlic greens.
Harvesting Garlic Bulbs
If you’ve been growing garlic with the goal of harvesting bulbs, you’ll need to wait a bit longer. Garlic bulbs are typically ready to harvest about eight to nine months after planting the cloves. You’ll know it’s time to harvest when the leaves turn brown and droop. At this point, stop watering the plants and allow the remainder of the leaves to dry out. Then, carefully dig up your homegrown garlic bulbs.
Storing Garlic Bulbs
Once you’ve harvested your garlic bulbs, it’s important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh. You can store garlic bulbs in a root cellar or a cool, dry basement. Make sure to hang them in a well-ventilated area to allow for air circulation. Alternatively, you can also store garlic bulbs in mesh bags or loosely woven baskets. Properly stored garlic bulbs can last for several months, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your labor well into the future.
Growing garlic indoors is a simple and rewarding process that can be done with minimal space and resources. By following these steps, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown garlic year-round, adding flavor and nutrition to your meals while saving money in the long run.