ADVERTISEMENT
Stop Buying Garlic: Here’s How to Grow a Ton at Home!
Garlic is a kitchen essential that adds an incredible depth of flavor to so many dishes. But did you know you can grow your own garlic at home, saving money while having fresh, flavorful garlic on hand all year round? If you love garlic and want to avoid constantly buying bulbs from the store, this guide will show you how easy it is to grow your own at home!
Why Grow Your Own Garlic?
- Save Money: Garlic can be expensive, especially if you use it often. By growing your own, you eliminate the need to buy it at the store, saving you money in the long run.
- Better Flavor: Homegrown garlic tends to have a stronger, fresher taste compared to store-bought garlic. Plus, you’ll know exactly how it’s been grown—without any chemicals or preservatives.
- Easy to Grow: Garlic is surprisingly easy to grow in your garden, on a balcony, or even in pots indoors. It’s a low-maintenance crop that just requires some patience.
- Sustainable: Growing garlic at home reduces your need to purchase pre-packaged, imported garlic that has a larger carbon footprint. Plus, you’ll be reducing waste from plastic packaging.
What You’ll Need to Grow Garlic
Before you get started, here’s what you’ll need:
- Garlic Bulbs: You can buy garlic from a garden center, online, or even use a bulb from the grocery store (just make sure it’s not treated with growth inhibitors).
- A Sunny Spot: Garlic loves full sun. Choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Well-Drained Soil: Garlic grows best in loose, well-draining soil with good organic matter. Sandy or loamy soil is ideal.
- Raised Bed or Garden Space: If you don’t have garden beds, you can use containers or pots with good drainage.
- A Shovel or Garden Fork: To plant the garlic cloves and break up any tough soil.
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Garlic
1. Choose the Right Garlic Variety
There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck garlic is typically more flavorful, but softneck garlic tends to store longer and grows well in warmer climates. Choose the type that works best for your area and personal taste preferences.
2. Break Apart the Bulb
Start by separating the garlic bulb into individual cloves. Each clove will grow into a new garlic bulb, so you can plant as many as you like! Make sure to keep the papery skin on each clove—this helps protect it during the growing process.
3. Prepare the Soil
Garlic prefers loose, well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some compost or organic material to improve drainage and texture. Garlic also prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
4. Plant the Garlic
- Timing: The best time to plant garlic is in the fall, about 4 to 6 weeks before the first expected frost. Garlic needs cold weather to develop properly. However, you can also plant it in early spring, though the bulbs may
