We may earn gross from the products available on this page and take part in affiliate programs . Learn More ›
Garlic is one of the easiest garden plant life to grow , which , along with its wellness benefit and acrid flavor , is just another reason to love it . This lowly - maintenance congeneric of the onion plant is typicallyplanted in fallabout a calendar month before the first frost to allow the chill to induce dormancy and give it time to create bulbs for harvest the following summer . But those who enjoy the taste of impertinent Allium sativum ( which can be eaten immediately after harvest ) may need to learn how to acquire garlic indoors so they have a quick supply at deal , no matter the season .
Before You Begin
Spatially , Allium sativum is a respectable burst for grow indoors because it ’s comfortable in succinct spaces . However , there are other thing to regard :
How to Grow Garlic Indoors in 6 Easy Steps
acquire garlic indoors can be easier than outdoors because you ’re in control of the environment , eliminating plague infestations and providing consistency in mature shape . But this is only a benefit if you provide all the elements this root vegetable needs to fly high .
Step 1: Select the right varieties of garlic for indoor cultivation.
There are approximately 300 variety of Allium sativum , and these are divide into hardneck and softneck types . While all type can be grown indoors , softneck type tend to do better inside because hardneck type favor colder climates .
Winter garlicis gentle to spring up indoors , as it does n’t have a period of quiescency and is less demanding , says Anastasia Borisevich , plant expert atPlantum . “ Spring Allium sativum is better accommodate for maturate garlic greens , as it will yield smaller bulbs but bigger flower stalk . ”
Some varieties that do well indoors let in :
Photo: Xiuxia Huang via Getty Images
Step 2: Choose the right-sized container.
Garlic can grow in a heavyset container of 6 to 8 inch diam , calculate on the issue of cloves planted , but because it ’s essentially a root crop , the flock should be deep enough — at least 8 in — to permit bulb to acquire .
Clay hatful are a good pick , but whatever type of material the container is made from , it should have good drain . A five - congius bucket can suffice , but will need golf hole drilled in the bottom to reserve water system to debilitate .
Step 3: Use the right soil.
Choose alightweight , sterile commercial potting mixthat includes vermiculite or perlite to aid with water retention and drain . While garlic likes loamy , sandy soils , Borisevich says , “ Any storage - buy all - purpose soil premix will lick fine for garlic . ” Because garlic appreciates soil with good richness , choose for a mix with peat or compost . Alternatively , you’re able to addorganic fertilizerto boost the soil ’s nutrient .
you could also make soil for growing garlic yourself by integrate two partsleaf moldcompost , two partsother compost , and three share sandpaper .
Step 4: Prepare the garlic bulbs for planting.
fall apart the bulb(s ) you intend to plant into cloves , leave as much of the papery hide on as possible . Place them in a moldable purse with a little soil . Put the bag in the deep freezer and will it there for 4 to 6 weeks . This process , call in vernalization , replicates the conditions the cloves would face out of doors . Alternatively , if the outside temperature are cool , you could place them outdoors . This cold period is essential for growing garlic bulbs indoors because it promote garlic cloves to sprout .
Step 5: Plant the cloves in soil.
Garlic clove should be planted about 2 column inch deep , with the pointy oddment up , and spaced about 6 inches apart . Gently tamp down the soil around the planted clove . Irrigate until excess body of water drains off . Garlic likes dirt that is consistently dampish , but not soggy . During its germination period , it may ask watering more heavily .
Place the container in a cool , cheery daub where it will pick up plenty of shiny , collateral lighter .
Step 6: Maintain conditions for healthy growth.
To get the most out of your garlic harvest , maintain the consideration that will provide the plants to fly high .
Final Thoughts
These easygoing step will enable you to acquire garlic indoors yr - rotund , providing fresh spirit for your favourite dish . Garlic does n’t require a peck of tending , but it does take provision to include a period of cold-blooded quiescence . After that , all it takes is nutrient - copious , well - draining grime , at least 6 hours of verbatim light , logical moisture , and regular fertilizing .
as luck would have it , Allium sativum does n’t produce solid odors while growing , but it is toxic to dogs and cat , so take precautions .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
Photo: Xiuxia Huang via Getty Images
We ’ll help you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few quite a little on your terrace , a raised bed , or an in - land plot out back — and take the right plants for your grease and region .
Photo: Xiuxia Huang via Getty Images
