What To Know
- Have you ever found a bulb of garlic in the back of your pantry, only to discover it’s sprouted.
- Garlic is a light feeder, but you can give it a boost with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
- Place garlic bulbs in a mesh bag or container and store in a cool, dark, and dry location.
Have you ever found a bulb of garlic in the back of your pantry, only to discover it’s sprouted? Instead of tossing it out, you can actually turn those sprouted cloves into a delicious and rewarding harvest! Growing garlic from sprouted bulbs is a surprisingly easy and enjoyable process. This guide will walk you through the steps, from prepping your sprouted garlic to reaping the rewards of your own homegrown crop.
Understanding Garlic Sprouting
Garlic sprouting is a natural process that happens when the bulb is exposed to warm temperatures and moisture. The cloves begin to grow shoots, known as “green garlic” or “garlic scapes,” which are actually the flower stalks of the plant. While sprouted garlic might not be ideal for cooking, it’s perfect for planting!
Selecting the Right Sprouted Garlic
Not all sprouted garlic is created equal. For the best chance of success, choose bulbs that:
- Have healthy, firm cloves: Avoid bulbs that are soft, mushy, or have signs of rot.
- Have green shoots that are not too long: Short, sturdy shoots are a good sign of vigorous growth.
- Are free of pests and diseases: Inspect the bulbs for any signs of damage or discoloration.
Preparing Your Sprouted Garlic for Planting
1. Separate the cloves: Carefully break apart the sprouted garlic bulb, separating the individual cloves.
2. Remove the green shoots: Cut off the green shoots, leaving about ½ inch of the stem attached to the clove. This will help the clove focus its energy on root development.
3. Treat the cloves: You can optionally treat the cloves with a fungicide to help prevent disease.
Choosing the Right Planting Location
Garlic thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Here’s how to find the perfect spot:
- Sunlight: Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil: Garlic prefers loose, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Amend heavy clay soil with compost or sand to improve drainage.
- Previous Crops: Garlic grows well after legumes (beans, peas), brassicas (cabbage, broccoli), and root vegetables (carrots, beets). Avoid planting after onions, garlic, or other members of the allium family.
Planting Your Sprouted Garlic
1. Prepare the soil: Dig a planting bed about 6-8 inches deep and loosen the soil with a garden fork.
2. Plant the cloves: Plant the cloves pointy side up, about 2 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart. If you are planting in rows, space the rows 12-18 inches apart.
3. Water thoroughly: After planting, water the soil deeply to settle the cloves and encourage root development.
Caring for Your Garlic
1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather.
2. Weeding: Regularly remove any weeds that compete with your garlic for nutrients and water.
3. Fertilizing: Garlic is a light feeder, but you can give it a boost with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
4. Mulching: A layer of mulch, such as straw or wood chips, can help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Harvesting Your Garlic
Garlic is typically ready for harvest in 8-10 months after planting. You’ll know it’s time when the leaves start to turn yellow and die back. Here’s how to harvest your crop:
1. Dig up the bulbs: Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil around the bulbs.
2. Lift the bulbs: Carefully lift the bulbs out of the ground, taking care not to damage them.
3. Clean and cure: Brush off any excess soil and let the bulbs cure in a dry, well-ventilated place for 2-3 weeks. This allows the bulbs to dry and harden, extending their shelf life.
Beyond the Harvest: Storing Your Garlic
Proper storage is crucial to preserving your garlic harvest. Here are some tips:
- Braiding: You can braid garlic bulbs together for decorative storage and to encourage air circulation.
- Hanging: Hang garlic bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.
- Storing in a cool, dark place: Place garlic bulbs in a mesh bag or container and store in a cool, dark, and dry location. Avoid storing garlic near potatoes, which release ethylene gas that can cause the garlic to sprout prematurely.
From Sprout to Supper: The Joy of Homegrown Garlic
Growing garlic from sprouted bulbs is a rewarding experience. Not only do you get to enjoy the delicious flavor of your own homegrown garlic, but you also learn about the natural cycle of this versatile plant. So, the next time you find a sprouted bulb in your pantry, don’t throw it away! Embrace the opportunity to grow your own garlic and savor the fruits (or should we say, “bulbs”) of your labor.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Can I plant sprouted garlic in the spring?
A: Yes, you can plant sprouted garlic in the spring, but it’s best to do so in cooler climates where the garlic has time to mature before the summer heat arrives.
Q: How long does it take for sprouted garlic to grow?
A: It typically takes 8-10 months for sprouted garlic to mature and be ready for harvest.
Q: Can I use sprouted garlic cloves for cooking?
A: While sprouted garlic cloves are edible, they may have a stronger, more pungent flavor than unsprouted cloves. They are also less firm and can be difficult to chop.
Q: What happens if I don’t remove the green shoots from the sprouted garlic cloves?
A: If you don’t remove the green shoots, the cloves will likely focus their energy on growing the shoots instead of developing roots and forming bulbs. This can result in smaller, less flavorful garlic.
Q: Can I plant sprouted garlic in a container?
A: Yes, you can plant sprouted garlic in a container as long as it’s at least 12 inches deep and wide. Choose a container with drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.
