How to grow garlic in plastic bottles with water for many bulbs and large leaves

An interesting and space-saving technique for urban gardeners or those with limited outside area is to grow garlic in plastic bottles using just water. This technique, which is frequently used in conjunction with a hydroponic system, enables garlic to grow roots and produce tasty green shoots. This is a step-by-step tutorial on growing garlic with water in plastic bottles.

Supplies Required:

1. Plastic bottles: optimal sizes are one or two liters.
2. Garlic bulbs: Select wholesome bulbs from a garden center or grocery store.
3. To cut the plastic bottles, use a knife or pair of scissors.
4. Water: Ideally unchlorinated or distilled.
5. Optional: Hydroponic nutrients: Since water is insufficient to provide the garlic all the nutrients it needs, these can aid in its better growth.

How-To: Garlic Grown in Plastic Bottles

Get the plastic bottles ready.

• Thoroughly clean the bottles to get rid of any impurities or leftovers.
• Cut off each bottle’s top approximately 5 inches from the cap end. This is going to be your holding vessel.
• If the water level becomes too high, drill or poke a few tiny holes in the bottle tops to allow water to drain.

Get the garlic ready:

• Split the bulb of garlic into separate cloves. Ensure that a portion of the base, where the roots will develop, is linked to each clove.
• Since the skin serves to keep the clove wet and protects it, do not peel the cloves.

Planting the Garlic

• Insert the cloves, pointy end up, into the bottle tops. To hold the cloves just above the water’s surface without completely submerging them, use the bottle cap. This arrangement keeps the tops of the cloves dry and permits the roots to spread into the water, preventing decay.
• Cloves should only come into contact with the water at the very bottom.

Including Nutrients and Water:

• Pour water into the bottle’s lower portion. The reservoir is where the roots will eventually grow. In order to avoid bacterial growth and stagnation, change the water every few days.
• If you’re using hydroponic nutrients, add them to the water after diluting them according to the directions. This gives the garlic the vital nutrients it needs to develop.

Orientation:

• The bottles should be placed under grow lights or on a windowsill where they will get lots of sunlight. For healthy growth, garlic requires a good amount of light.

Upkeep and Care:

• Keep an eye out for the emergence of green shoots from the top of the cloves and the growth of roots.
• Make sure the water is periodically refreshed and does not become excessively murky or odorous.
• It may indicate a nutrient shortage if the green shoots appear to be turning yellow; check the hydroponic nutrient levels.

Gathering:

• When the garlic greens reach a height of 6 to 8 inches, they are ready to be picked. Trim what you don’t need and let the plants regrow.
• Since soil is necessary for garlic cloves to correctly produce bulbs, cloves cultivated in water usually do not develop into new bulbs. The greens do taste of garlic, but they’re passable.
• This is an excellent way to grow garlic greens, which are similar to scallions in that they may be used in cooking, or it can be utilized for educational purposes. They work well to infuse salads, soups, and other meals with the flavor of fresh garlic.