How to Plant Garlic in Water

Garlic is a versatile vegetable that is used in various dishes to add flavor and nutrition. It is also easy to grow, and you don’t even need a garden to cultivate it. One way to grow garlic is by planting it in water. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to plant garlic in water.

Step 1: Acquire Garlic Cloves

The first step in planting garlic in water is to acquire fresh garlic cloves. You can get them from the grocery store or a farmer’s market. Ensure that the cloves are firm and unblemished. Avoid garlic heads that are soft, sprouting, or have mold, as they won't grow well.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Cloves

Once you have your garlic cloves, separate them from the head, but do not peel them. Fill a bowl or cup with lukewarm water, and soak the cloves for 24 hours. This helps to activate the garlic and prepares it for planting.

Step 3: Get a Suitable Container

When planting garlic in water, you will need a suitable container. The container should be large enough to hold all your cloves and at least four inches deep. A transparent container is recommended to allow you to monitor the progress of the garlic roots. You may use glass jars, clear plastic cups, or any other container that fits your cloves.

Step 4: Add Water to the Container

Add enough water to cover the bottom of the container. Make sure it's not too much or too little. You don’t want to drown the garlic, nor do you want it to be too dry. The water should be enough to keep the cloves moist, but not soaked.

Step 5: Plant the Garlic Cloves

Take the soaked garlic cloves and place them in the container. The water should cover only the bottom of the cloves, not the entire clove. You can use pebbles, marbles, or toothpicks to support the cloves in the water. The cloves should be facing upward with the pointed end up and the blunt end down. Space the cloves two inches apart in the container.

Step 6: Provide Adequate Light

Garlic needs light to grow, so place the container in an area that receives ample sunlight. A south-facing window is ideal. Ensure that the garlic receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. If you don’t have access to natural light, you may use grow lights.

Step 7: Change the Water Regularly

To ensure that the garlic grows well, change the water in the container every few days. This helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria or pests that may harm the garlic. Use lukewarm water and refill to the recommended level.

Step 8: Harvest the Garlic

After a few weeks, the garlic cloves will start to grow roots and shoots. The shoots will eventually turn into leaves. When the leaves become yellow, it's time to harvest the garlic. Remove the cloves from the container and dry them in a cool, dry place for about two weeks. After that, your home-grown garlic is ready to use.

Conclusion

Growing garlic in water is an easy process that requires minimal effort. It's an excellent way to supplement your kitchen with fresh and nutritious garlic. With the above steps, you can plant garlic in water and enjoy a bountiful harvest.