Q&A for How to Grow Garlic Indoors in a Pot

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  • Question
    What if I don't remove the flowers, are they of any use?
    Community Answer
    Some people like to eat the shoots. They are edible and if you leave them they will produce garlic seeds.
  • Question
    I'm not clear about this. Can I plant both bulbs and cloves?
    Community Answer
    Break the bulb apart and plant each clove separately. The cloves will grow into new bulbs. Planting the whole bulb would result in crowded garlic plants that wouldn't thrive.
  • Question
    Does garlic always produce green shoots?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but the lower half or third is usually white because it is near the clove. If the garlic is dying, the shoots will turn brown from lack of food, oxygen, or water.
  • Question
    Do I position the (garlic) cloves lying down in the soil?
    Community Answer
    No. For best results, place them pointed end up - the way they were originally growing.
  • Question
    To dry the garlic during a Minnesota winter, where else can I hang them besides my freezing cold garage?
    Community Answer
    You may dry them anywhere in the house that maintains a reasonable temperature.
  • Question
    Can I eat the green garlic when I cut them?
    Community Answer
    Yes. The greens which sprout through the soil from the growing garlic bulb are called garlic chives. I like to take little snips of garlic chives to cook with my scrambled eggs, or top my baked potato with.
  • Question
    Am I removing each skin from individual bulb?
    Community Answer
    Do not remove the skin before planting. It protects the inner part of the clove.
  • Question
    My indoor garlic is 6-10" tall and wilting 5 weeks after planting. Is it too much water and no drainage? I only water when the top soil is dry, so why is it wilting?
    Community Answer
    Too much water replaces oxygen needed for any plant to grow. Mix one third hydrogen peroxide (maximum) to one gallon of water. This allows aeration and moisture to the roots without suffocating them.
  • Question
    Can garlic bulbs be planted outdoors in a container in the U.S. Midwest?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but mulch them and move them to a protected place during the winter so they don't freeze.
  • Question
    The article says to mix 1/3 hydrogen peroxide to 1 gallon of water. Do you mean 1/3 cup?
    Community Answer
    No, 1/3 of the mixture should be hydrogen peroxide. However, it is safer to use 1 part HP to 3 parts water.
  • Question
    Can I use just potting soil with no sand?
    Chelmite
    Community Answer
    Yes. The idea is to allow water to drain through the soil. Organic matter (mulch, humus) is the best thing to add to a clay soil to allow water to be absorbed, but also drain excess water. Sand is not great at improving clay soil's drainage, aeration, or root penetration. Most potting soils have a good mixture of organic material and material to aid drainage and water absorption. Check the potting soil label to avoid sterile potting soil.
  • Question
    How many days does the garlic take to sprout?
    Community Answer
    About 4-5 days, depending on the temperature where you are growing it.
  • Question
    How deep do I plant garlic cloves in a pot?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    About 2-3 inches into the soil in the container. Cover the cloves with about 1 inch of soil on top.
  • Question
    In a 1ft wide and 3ft long tub how many rows could be sown..
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Make sure you leave enough rough between the cloves so their roots can grow. Leave at least 5 inches of space in all directions around the clove.
  • Question
    Can I use river sand when growing garlic indoors in a pot?
    Community Answer
    River sand if pure sand is not really good for growing anything. Find some light loam or light soil, as these would be best. If you can’t access that soil, it’ll probably grow optimally in your backyard, unless it’s pure sand or heavy clay. You might want to buy some non chemical fertilizer to help with growth.
  • Question
    How do I harvest garlic bulbs?
    Community Answer
    Pull the garlic plant up by the stem. Do not use digging tools because this can cause damage to the bulb.
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