Can You Plant Garlic From the Store?

Garlic is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can add depth to any dish. But did you know that you can plant garlic from store-bought bulbs? While it may seem intimidating, planting garlic is actually fairly easy, and it can even be done indoors if you lack outdoor space. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to plant garlic from the store.

What You'll Need

Before starting the planting process, gather the following supplies:

Garlic bulbs (make sure they are fresh and haven't been treated with preservatives)

A small pot with drainage holes or a well-draining garden bed

Potting soil or garden soil mixed with compost

A trowel or small shovel

Mulch (optional)

Steps for Planting Garlic

Follow these steps to successfully plant garlic:

Choose your cloves: Start by selecting your garlic bulbs. Look for firm and plump bulbs without any signs of mold or soft spots. Each bulb is made up of several cloves, which are the part that you will plant.

Prepare the soil: Garlic prefers well-draining soil, so if you're planting in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes. In the garden, loosen the soil to a depth of six inches and mix in some compost to improve the soil's quality.

Separate the cloves: Carefully separate the cloves from the bulb. Be gentle to avoid damaging them.

Plant the cloves: Use a trowel or small shovel to dig a hole about two inches deep, and place the clove pointed side up into the soil. Space the cloves about six inches apart in all directions.

Water and mulch: Once all the cloves are planted, give them a thorough watering. If planting outdoors, you can also add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and protect the cloves from frost.

Watch and wait: Garlic is a slow grower, so don't expect to see shoots right away. In a few weeks, you should start to see green shoots emerging from the soil. Continue to water the garlic regularly, and be patient as it grows.

Caring for Your Garlic

Garlic is a low-maintenance plant, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Water regularly: Garlic prefers consistent moisture, so make sure to water it regularly. Don't let the soil become waterlogged, as this can cause the cloves to rot.

Fertilize sparingly: Garlic doesn't require much fertilization, but you can add a light dose of compost or a balanced fertilizer in early spring if you wish.

Watch for pests: Garlic is generally pest-resistant, but keep an eye out for aphids or thrips, which can damage the leaves. If you notice a problem, treat with a natural insecticidal soap.

Harvesting Your Garlic

Depending on when you plant your garlic, you can expect to harvest it in late spring, early summer, or even late summer or early fall. Harvesting garlic is simple:

Wait for the leaves to brown: When the leaves start to brown and die back, it's a sign that the garlic is ready to harvest.

Carefully dig up the bulbs: Use a trowel or small shovel to gently loosen the soil and lift the bulbs out. Be careful not to damage them.

Cure the garlic: To store your garlic, you'll need to cure it first. Hang the bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place for several weeks. This will allow them to dry out and develop a papery skin.

Store the garlic: Once cured, you can store your garlic bulbs in a cool, dry place for several months. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as this can cause them to sprout.

Now that you know how to plant garlic from the store, why not give it a try? Whether you add it to your garden or grow it indoors, planting garlic is a fun and rewarding experience that will yield delicious results.