Whether you choose to use a flower pot, a wooden crate, or any other type of container to grow your garlic indoors, it needs to be deep enough to allow the roots of the garlic to grow. To plant 3 cloves of garlic, make sure the container is at least 12 inches (30 cm) wide so you can space them out far enough to allow them to grow. Look for containers at garden supply stores, home improvement stores, and online. You can also check out your local craft supply stores to find interesting planting containers.
Most plastic or terracotta pots and planting containers have drainage holes at the bottom. For plastic containers, use a sharp knife to cut out a drainage hole in the center of the bottom. Drill small holes in glass or clay containers with an electric drill and a bit made for drilling glass and tile.
Garlic is highly susceptible to fungal root diseases, so you need to plant them in a medium that will allow excess water to drain easily. You can find soil-less potting mixes at garden supply stores, home improvement stores, and online. Make your own soil-less potting mix by using vermiculite or pearlite and mixing in some coconut fibers or peat to help retain moisture.
Watch the drainage holes at the bottom to make sure excess water is running through it.
Some grocery stores may sell organically grown garlic bulbs, which may not have been treated, so they’ll sprout if you plant them. Ask your local nursery if they have organically grown garlic bulbs. Look online for organic garlic bulbs that you can have delivered to your home.
Separate the cloves 1-2 days before you plant them. They’ll dry out and won’t be able to sprout if you break them apart earlier. The husks keep the garlic itself protected and they won’t sprout if you remove them!
Make the holes wide enough to fit the cloves.
Place 1 clove for each of the holes you make. Gently pat the potting mixture on top of the garlic to settle it down.
If you don’t have a sunny window, you can place the container under a fluorescent light to help them grow indoors.
Don’t overwater or soak the garlic.
Read the instructions on the packaging about how to dilute the fertilizer in water. You can find organic liquid fertilizer at garden supply stores, at department stores, and online.
In warm and sunny climates, you may need to water your garlic plants 2-3 times a week to keep them happy.
Get rid of mice by trapping them if you find bite marks on your garlic leaves. Make a natural insecticide to get rid of pests on your garlic so they’re still safe to consume when you harvest them.
For the first 6 months, the garlic plant will keep growing green leaves.
Use the fresh greens in soups to add a bit of garlicky goodness! Sprinkle freshly chopped greens on top of a finished dish to add a fresh and sharp flavor.
The cloves can take up to 2 weeks to fully cure, or dry.
