Growing garlic is a simple and rewarding task that can be done both indoors and outdoors. The following guide will provide you with the information you need to successfully grow garlic in your home garden or on your windowsill.
When growing garlic outdoors, it is best to plant it in the fall, a few weeks before the first hard frost. This allows the garlic to develop a strong root system before the ground freezes. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility.
To plant garlic, separate the bulbs into individual cloves, leaving the papery covering intact. Plant the cloves about one inch deep and four inches apart, with the pointed end facing up. Water the area well and mulch with straw or leaves to protect the garlic from freezing temperatures.
Garlic requires minimal maintenance, but it is important to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Fertilize the garlic with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
When the leaves of the garlic begin to yellow and fall over, it is time to harvest. Carefully dig up the bulbs and allow them to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for a few days. Once dry, the garlic can be stored in a cool, dark place for use throughout the year.
Growing garlic indoors is similar to growing it outdoors, but it requires a bit more attention. Garlic can be grown in pots or containers, as long as they have drainage holes and are at least 6 inches deep. Use a quality potting soil and plant the cloves as you would in an outdoor bed, with the pointed end facing up.
Place the pot or container in a sunny location, such as a south-facing windowsill. Garlic requires consistent moisture, so make sure to water it whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. It's also important to fertilize the garlic every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea.
When the garlic is ready to harvest, the leaves will begin to yellow and fall over. Carefully dig up the bulbs and allow them to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for a few days before storing in a cool, dark place.
Whether you're growing garlic outdoors or indoors, it's important to use high-quality bulbs or cloves, and to plant them at the right time of year, in the right type of soil, with the right amount of light and moisture. With proper care, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful garlic from your own garden or windowsill.
In a Nutshell:
- Plant garlic in fall, a few weeks before the first hard frost, in a sunny location with well-draining soil
- Separate bulbs into individual cloves, plant 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart, with pointed end facing up
- Water and mulch, fertilize with balanced fertilizer or compost tea every 4-6 weeks
- Harvest when the leaves turn yellow and fall
- For indoor growing use a pot or container, place in sunny location, keep soil consistently moist, fertilize every 4-6 weeks
- Allow the bulbs to dry before storing in cool dark place.