Have you ever wondered if those garlic scraps lying in your kitchen could be put to good use?
If you’re looking to embark on a rewarding and eco-friendly gardening project, growing garlic from kitchen scraps using just water and a plastic bottle might be just the thing for you!
This simple yet fascinating method allows you to cultivate fresh garlic greens right on your windowsill, with minimal materials and effort required.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to transform ordinary garlic cloves into thriving garlic plants, all without the need for soil or a garden.
From the first signs of root growth to the emergence of vibrant green sprouts, follow along and witness the magic of nature as your kitchen scraps turn into a kitchen staple!
Materials you’ll need:
Fresh garlic bulb with cloves (Choose healthy, large cloves for best results)
Clear plastic bottle (An empty and clean 2-liter soda bottle or any other clear plastic container with a lid will work)
Sharp knife or scissors
Water
Sunny windowsill or a well-lit area
Step 1: Select the garlic cloves
Choose a fresh and healthy garlic bulb. Separate the individual cloves from the bulb, making sure they are intact and free from any damage or mold.
Step 2: Prepare the plastic bottle
Take a clear plastic bottle and clean it thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse it well to ensure there are no soap residues. Remove the label from the bottle, so you can see the roots growing inside.
Step 3: Cut the plastic bottle
Use a sharp knife or scissors to carefully cut the top of the plastic bottle. You want to remove the upper portion, leaving enough space to hold the water and garlic cloves without them touching the bottle’s neck.
Step 4: Fill the plastic bottle with water
Fill the bottom part of the plastic bottle with water, ensuring it’s not too high that it will submerge the garlic cloves completely. Aim to have the water level just below the bottom of the cloves.
Step 5: Place the garlic cloves in the bottle
Take the garlic cloves and position them with their pointed ends facing upward. Insert them into the bottle, ensuring that the bottom part of each clove is submerged in the water and the top part is exposed to the air.
Step 6: Find a sunny spot
Place the prepared plastic bottle with the garlic cloves in a sunny windowsill or any well-lit area. Garlic plants require sunlight for photosynthesis and healthy growth, so make sure they get enough sunlight each day.
Step 7: Change the water regularly
Check the water level in the bottle regularly and ensure it remains at the appropriate level, just below the bottom of the garlic cloves. If the water gets murky, change it and rinse the bottle to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.
Step 8: Observe and wait
Over the next few days and weeks, you will start to see roots developing from the bottom of the garlic cloves. The green shoots (garlic sprouts) will emerge from the top of the cloves. Be patient and continue to provide sunlight and fresh water.
Step 9: Transplanting (optional)
Once the garlic sprouts have grown a few inches tall and the roots are well-developed, you can decide whether you want to keep them in water or transplant them into soil. If you choose to transplant them, carefully remove the garlic sprouts from the bottle, being gentle with the delicate roots, and plant them in well-draining soil. Water the soil regularly and continue to provide sunlight.
Step 10: Harvesting
If you decide to keep the garlic plants in water, they will continue to grow, and you can enjoy the fresh garlic greens as they develop. However, if you transplant them to soil, you’ll have to wait for the bulbs to mature, which can take several months. The garlic bulbs are ready to harvest when the tops begin to dry and turn brown.
