12.01.2025

From Bottle to Soil: How to Start Garlic in Water and Plant It in Your Garden

By Lesia

Garlic is a versatile and essential ingredient in cooking, and growing your own is easier than you think! Starting garlic in water is a simple way to germinate it before transferring it to your garden. Follow this step-by-step guide to get started.

Benefits of Growing Garlic at Home

Fresh Supply: Enjoy organic garlic straight from your garden.
Cost-Effective: A single bulb can yield multiple cloves for planting.
Compact Setup: You only need minimal space to start the process.

What You’ll Need

A garlic bulb with healthy cloves
A clear plastic bottle or jar
Water
Sharp knife or scissors
Potting soil and a garden bed or container

Step 1: Select the Right Garlic

Choose a firm, healthy bulb of garlic. Opt for organic if possible, as some store-bought garlic may be treated to prevent sprouting.

Step 2: Prepare Your Bottle

Cut the top off a plastic bottle to create a container.
Fill it halfway with water.

Step 3: Sprout the Garlic in Water

Gently separate the cloves from the bulb, leaving the papery skin intact.
Place the cloves pointy side up in the water, ensuring only the bottom part of each clove touches the water.
Position the container near a sunny window.

Step 4: Wait for Roots and Shoots

Within a few days, you’ll notice roots forming at the bottom of the cloves and green shoots emerging from the top.
Change the water every 2–3 days to prevent mold and keep it fresh.

Step 5: Transfer to Soil

Once the roots are about 1–2 inches long, it’s time to plant the garlic.
Choose a sunny location in your garden or a large pot with well-draining soil.
Plant each clove root-side down, about 2 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart.
Cover with soil and water thoroughly.

Caring for Your Garlic Plants

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer every few weeks for optimal growth.
Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to avoid competition for nutrients.

When to Harvest

Garlic is usually ready to harvest in 6–8 months, depending on the variety. Look for yellowing leaves and dry tops as signs it’s time to pull up your bulbs.

By starting garlic in water and transferring it to soil, you can enjoy a thriving garlic garden in no time. Give it a try and savor the satisfaction of growing your own fresh, flavorful garlic! 🌱🧄