How to Grow Hydroponic Garlic

Hydroponic garlic is a viable project, but it's a little different than other plants. You may be looking at garlic because it's tasty, or because it's a superfood with any oxidants known for promoting various health outcomes. Societies have used garlic in food for centuries -- so how do you get this kind of produce from a small hydroponic garden?

Here are some steps to get started.

Grow from cloves

It's a good idea to grow the garlic from the original clove as a part of the bulb -- not from a seed. The clove sends out green shoots on its own if you sit it on the counter, so obviously, it's going to be easy to germinate. However, some growers recommend starting the clove in water to allow for quicker growth. Some also recommend using higher-quality garlic than what you might get in the supermarket aisle -- look at different varieties and figure out what's right for you.

Prevent excessive submersion

Although you might start growing the garlic clove in water, you also have to watch out for rot. So it's a good idea to take the garlic clove out of the water early on and let it develop in a dry environment.

Look at temperature and humidity

One suggested step for hydro garlic is to place the plants just below the surface of some grow medium such as rockwool coco coir or vermiculite. You can dampen the clove slightly, but any more moisture than this might have a negative effect. Experts recommend temperatures between 35 and 50°F and estimate growing time at 45 to 60 days.

Allow room for growth

Garlic also grows tall -- the green scapes of the plant rise to about a foot and a half. With that in mind, lots of people who are growing hydroponic garlic use adjustable lighting so that they can facilitate the plant’s tall growth. You probably won't need trellises or other support systems, but in some cases, artificial dividers or other tools can play a role. Make sure the garlic has plenty of light and a pH value around six.

These are some beginning steps for cultivating one of the most popular plant foods in any type of world cuisine. Even in America where we’re not really heavy on the vegetables, garlic gets used prolifically in Italian cooking, and in things like pasta dishes, pizzas, soups, and other types of savory delicacies.

For more about hydroponics and how to pursue growing, check out the Dealzer website as we continue to provide a wealth of advice for new growers.