What To Know
- This guide will provide a comprehensive walkthrough on how to grow garlic from scraps, ensuring a bountiful harvest of flavorful and healthy cloves.
- If planting in spring, store the garlic cloves in a cool, dry place until the soil warms up.
- Cure the garlic by hanging it in a cool, dry place with good air circulation for 3-4 weeks.
Garlic, a culinary staple and medicinal herb, is surprisingly easy to grow at home. Instead of purchasing new bulbs, you can save money and embark on a sustainable gardening journey by growing garlic from kitchen scraps. This guide will provide a comprehensive walkthrough on how to grow garlic from scraps, ensuring a bountiful harvest of flavorful and healthy cloves.
Choosing the Right Garlic Scraps
Select firm, plump garlic cloves from organic or locally grown bulbs. Avoid using cloves from imported or treated garlic, as they may not be suitable for planting.
Preparing the Soil
Garlic prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve fertility and drainage.
Planting the Scraps
Fall Planting:
- In late fall, break the garlic bulb into individual cloves.
- Plant the cloves pointy side up, 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart.
- Cover the cloves with soil and water deeply.
Spring Planting:
- If planting in spring, store the garlic cloves in a cool, dry place until the soil warms up.
- Plant the cloves as described above, but protect them from frost with mulch or row covers.
Watering and Fertilizing
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once in early spring and again in late spring.
Mulching and Weeding
- Mulch around the garlic plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
- Keep the planting area weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients.
Pest and Disease Management
- Common pests include aphids, thrips, and onion flies. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Prevent diseases like white rot and downy mildew by practicing crop rotation and avoiding overwatering.
Harvesting Garlic
- When the tops of the garlic plants turn brown and start to fall over, it’s time to harvest.
- Carefully dig up the bulbs using a spade or fork.
- Allow the bulbs to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for several weeks.
Curing and Storing Garlic
- After drying, remove the loose outer skin from the bulbs.
- Cure the garlic by hanging it in a cool, dry place with good air circulation for 3-4 weeks.
- Store the cured garlic in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Final Thoughts: Grow Your Own Garlic
Growing garlic from scraps is a simple and rewarding experience. By following these steps, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown garlic while saving money and reducing waste. Embrace the sustainable gardening approach and embark on this culinary adventure today!
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Can I grow garlic from any type of garlic?
A: Yes, but organic or locally grown garlic is preferred. Imported or treated garlic may have been irradiated or chemically treated, which can affect germination.
Q: Can I use garlic powder or minced garlic to grow garlic?
A: No, only fresh garlic cloves can be used for planting.
Q: How long does it take to grow garlic from scraps?
A: It takes approximately 5-7 months from planting to harvesting.
Q: Can I overwater garlic?
A: Yes, overwatering can lead to root rot. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: What are some common pests that affect garlic?
A: Aphids, thrips, and onion flies are common pests that can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
