Water well:
Give your garlic a good watering right after planting. Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy.
Place in full sun:
Garlic needs 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. A sunny windowsill, porch, or balcony is perfect.
Serving and Storage Tips (Harvesting and Storing Garlic)
Harvest time:
After 6–9 months, when the green leaves start turning yellow and drying out, it’s time to harvest. Gently pull the bulbs from the soil.
Cure the garlic:
Allow the harvested bulbs to dry in a cool, airy place for 2–3 weeks before storing.
Storage:
Once cured, store garlic in a mesh bag or basket in a dry, dark area. Avoid the fridge—it can cause sprouting.
Use the greens too:
Garlic greens (young shoots) are edible and delicious! Use them like chives or green onions while the bulbs are growing.
Variants (Different Garlic Growing Options)
Softneck garlic: Best for warmer climates and great for braiding after harvest.
Hardneck garlic: Thrives in colder climates and produces flavorful garlic scapes.
Sprouted garlic: Use leftover sprouting cloves from your kitchen to start new plants.
Indoor jars: You can even grow garlic greens in water on a windowsill (though it won’t form full bulbs).
FAQ
Q: Can I grow garlic indoors year-round?
A: Yes! As long as your garlic gets enough light and stays in a cool space, you can grow it indoors. Consider using a grow light in winter months.
Q: When is the best time to plant garlic?
A: Fall is ideal (September to November), but you can plant in early spring too—just expect smaller bulbs if planted late.
Q: How often should I water garlic in pots?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Garlic prefers consistent moisture, but avoid overwatering.
Q: How many garlic plants can I grow in one pot?
A: In a 12-inch pot, you can plant around 4–6 cloves with adequate spacing.
Q: Can I reuse garlic cloves from the grocery store?
A: Yes, but organic garlic is better. Conventionally grown garlic is sometimes treated to prevent sprouting.
