4 Simple Steps to Grow Healthy and Flavorful Garlic in Water

If you’re looking to grow garlic at home but don’t have access to garden space, growing garlic in water is an excellent alternative.

This straightforward 4-step guide walks you through everything you need to get started, from choosing garlic cloves to nurturing them in water.

Perfect for beginner gardeners, this method requires minimal materials and yields flavorful garlic that’s ready to add to your recipes.

Dive into this guide and enjoy the simplicity of growing garlic indoors!

Preparation

Starting your garlic-growing journey begins with gathering a few essentials. A plump, healthy garlic bulb is key; think of it as the future star of your garden.

For the best results, choose an organic bulb free from pesticides.

A clear glass or small container is next on the list.

Using a transparent container allows you to watch the roots as they develop, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the process.

Don’t forget the pebbles or marbles.

These will provide sturdy support for the garlic bulb as it grows, keeping it stable and helping it thrive.

Room-temperature water is the final touch.

Garlic prefers a moderate drink, so aim for water that isn’t too cold or too warm to give your garlic the best start possible.

Growing Garlic in Water

Begin by carefully breaking the garlic bulb into individual cloves. Focus on the flat end, which is where roots will develop, while the pointy end is where green shoots will eventually sprout.

Moving forward, grab a glass or container and layer the bottom with pebbles. These pebbles provide a steady base for the garlic, ensuring it stays upright and out of direct water contact.

With the pebbles in place, set a garlic clove, flat end down, on top of them. Pour in just enough water to cover the base of the clove but leave the top exposed.

This encourages the roots to stretch toward the water, rather than becoming submerged.

Garlic thrives in sunlight, so place your growing setup on a bright windowsill.

This ensures the clove gets enough light to encourage strong growth and vibrant green shoots.

Caring for Your Garlic

Regularly monitor the water level in your container to keep the garlic clove’s base submerged. Top up the water as needed, and change it every few days to avoid mold and stagnation.

In about a week or two, green shoots will begin to emerge from your garlic cloves. These vibrant shoots can grow up to 10 inches in height, reaching toward the sunlight and adding a fresh touch to your space.

Your garlic is now well on its way to becoming a beautiful, edible houseplant!

Harvesting Your Garlic Greens

Once your garlic greens stand tall at around 6-8 inches, it’s harvesting time. Snip off the greens as you need, leaving about an inch of growth above the base.

These fresh garlic greens deliver a milder garlic flavor than the cloves and work wonders in various dishes. Like a fresh herb, they’ll bring a zesty, aromatic kick to your meals.

The best part about growing garlic greens is the continual harvest. With each trim, they’ll regrow, allowing you to enjoy these vibrant greens for weeks.

Use them to brighten up salads, add a subtle garlic touch to dishes, or as a flavorful garnish to elevate your culinary creations.