Can You Plant Store Bought Garlic?

Garlic is a popular ingredient in many dishes around the world, and it is also known for its medicinal properties. Many people enjoy growing their own garlic, but can you plant store bought garlic? The answer is yes, you can!

Choosing the Right Garlic

When choosing garlic to plant, it is important to select the right type of garlic. While you can plant any garlic that you find at the grocery store, some types of garlic are better suited for growing than others.

It is recommended to select organic garlic since it has not been treated with any chemicals that could harm the cloves or the soil. You should also choose cloves that are firm and undamaged, as damaged or soft cloves will not produce healthy plants.

Preparing the Garlic Cloves

Before planting the garlic cloves, you should prepare them properly. First, separate the cloves from the head of garlic. Next, remove any loose papery layers from the cloves, but be careful not to damage the clove itself.

Once the cloves have been prepared, they should be left to dry for a day or two before planting. This will help to ensure that the cloves have a better chance of rooting and growing into healthy plants.

Planting and Caring for Garlic

Garlic is typically grown in the fall and winter months, but can be planted at any time of the year as long as the soil is well-drained and fertile. The cloves should be planted about two inches deep and spaced about six inches apart.

After planting, the garlic should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet. Garlic also benefits from fertilizer, which can be applied every couple of weeks during the growing season.

Harvesting Garlic

Garlic typically takes about eight months to mature, and it is ready to be harvested when the leaves begin to turn yellow and fall over. It is important to harvest garlic at the right time to ensure that the bulbs are fully developed and have not started to split.

To harvest the garlic, dig it up using a fork or shovel. Be careful not to damage the bulbs, as this can affect their quality and flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planting store bought garlic is easy and can be a fun way to grow your own garlic at home. With the right preparation and care, you can enjoy a healthy crop of garlic that is perfect for cooking or adding to your medicine cabinet.