Growing garlic indoors is a great way to have fresh garlic year-round. Garlic is a hardy plant that grows in most climates and can be grown indoors with little effort.
There are many ways to grow garlic indoors, but the easiest way is to plant it in a pot and keep it near a window that gets plenty of sunlight.
Garlic needs at least six hours of sunlight every day. Garlic can also grow in the shade, but it will take longer to grow and won’t be as strong. If you are unable to provide natural lights, you can use grow lights to make up for the loss of natural light
Choose the Right Variety
There are two main varieties of garlic available: hardneck and softneck.
Hardnecks produce large cloves with thick skin and strong stems.
Softnecks produce smaller cloves with thin skins and weak stems. Both varieties will grow well in pots.
Best Grow Lights for Garlic
Garlic does not have specific light requirements. An ordinary full spectrum growing lamp would be sufficient.
You can set the grow lights to turn on in the afternoon for light minimal disturbance in your house.
Temperature Requirements for Growing Garlic Indoors
The ideal temperature for growing garlic is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. (18 to 30 degrees celsius)
If the temperature falls below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the garlic will start to grow slowly and may not produce any bulbs at all.
If the temperature rises above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the garlic will grow quickly but will not produce any bulbs with a strong flavor.
How Often to Water Garlic Plant
The general rule of thumb for watering garlic plants is to water them when the soil feels dry. This can be done by sticking your finger into the soil and feel if it’s moist or not. If the soil feels dry, then you should water your garlic plant. If you are in a dry climate, you may need to water it twice a day.
Best Way to Fertilise Garlic Plant
Garlic plants need to be fertilized for them to grow well and produce good quality garlic bulbs. There are different ways to fertilize your garlic plant, but the best way is to use an organic fertilizer such as compost or manure.
You can create your own organic fertiliser using bananas but it is only recommended if you are planting your garlic outdoors. If you are planting your garlic indoors, it is best to use an odorless organic fertiliser instead.
Harvest When Ready
You should harvest your garlic when it reaches its full size. This means that the cloves should be large enough to easily pull off with your fingers. If you wait until the bulbs start to sprout, then you will need to cut them off at the base.
