According to Hydrobuilder Learning Center (1), garlic can be grown hydroponically with the right equipment and know-how.
Growing garlic hydroponically is a great way to have your cake and eat it, too. You’ll be able to save space, time, and effort by choosing this method for growing your plants. It’s not tough to do, especially if you have the right equipment and know-how.
If you’re interested in learning more about hydroponic garlic farming, we’ve got you covered!
We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide that covers everything from the best hydroponic systems to use, to the nutrients and techniques required for growing healthy garlic plants indoors.
Check it out here.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Can garlic grow in hydroponics?
Yes, garlic can thrive in hydroponic systems (2), offering a controlled environment for optimal growth and flavor.
Garlic Goes Hydro: Busting Myths and Unveiling Potential
I’ve always loved flavorful garlic in my cooking.
But paying $4+ per head for grocery garlic adds up fast with how much my recipes call for! Could growing my own hydroponic garlic slash these costs while serving up just-picked freshness?
Many claim garlic can only grow well in traditional outdoor soil beds.
But after experimenting with home hydro systems since 2016, I’ve busted some myths around hydroponic garlic!
Here’s the real scoop on unlocking this vegetable’s full potential as a water-grown crop:
🌱 Garlic needs some soil…just not much! Unlike tomatoes, garlic still forms bulbs without in-ground dirt. A small 2-3 inch base of growing medium like coconut coir or perlite provides enough traction for initial sprouting before roots stretch out seeking water and nutrients.
🌱 Match varieties to your system. Hardneck garlic with larger cloves adapts better to hydroponics versus softneck. Opt for cultivars like Persian Star or Chesnok Red.
🌱 Go vertical! Deep water culture with vertical net pot towers maximizes precious indoor growing space for maximum bulb production per square foot. Suspended horizontal configurations work well too.
Follow these research-backed tips, and you’ll be biting into twice the fresh, homegrown garlic glory for half the price in under 6 months!
From Cloves to Clones: Demystifying Hydroponic Garlic Propagation
I’m always amazed how a dry, papery garlic clove transforms into a glistening new bulb filled with plump, delicious cloves! Harnessing this natural reproductive process for continual propagation is extra rewarding when growing hydroponic garlic.
After supplying my kitchen all last year from just 12 starter bulbils purchased online, here’s my method for perpetual garlic cloning without needing yearly sets:
Select the Best “Seed Cloves”
I pick my largest, healthiest heads from each harvest as propagators for the next batch.
Choosing rigorous parent bulbs with ~15+ cloves sets up new plants for success!
Pre-Sprout Cloves
To give infant sprouts an advantage, I pre-soak cloves in a jar for 3 days before nesting in propagation plugs.
Once tender shoots emerge, they transplant smoothly into the hydro system.
To pre-sprout cloves before transplanting, consider using Rockwool Starter Plugs for their excellent moisture retention and seedling support. Order a multi-pack for multiple plantings.
Stagger Plantings
Rather than one large seeding, I divide cloves into three smaller batches spaced 3 weeks apart.
This extends my eventual harvest window for over a month of continual fresh garlic!
It takes some prep work, but the payoff is a self-sustaining garlic garden with free “seeds” for life!
And nothing beats snipping zippy chives, green garlic tops or full bulbs fresh from your hydro garden any time a recipe calls.
Once pre-sprouted cloves develop shoots, transfer them to these convenient 3-inch Hydroponics Net Cups from ORIMERC. They’re perfect for saving space in vertical systems.
Spice Up Your System: Choosing the Perfect Hydroponics for Garlic
As a lover of garlic flavor, being able to grow my own bountiful supply hydroponically feels amazing! But not all methods work as well for this vegetable with heavier water plus nutrition demands.
Here are my top three systems perfect for growing garlic hydroponically after extensive trial and error:
🌱 Deep Water Culture (DWC): For high yields year-round, DWC is tough to beat! With roots submerged in aerated nutrient solution, plants uptake constant dissolved minerals for maximum bulb growth rate and size. My record is over 4 lbs per plant using this powerhouse method!
🌱 Bato Bucket Baskets: More compact than DWC towers but equally robust production, bato buckets allow for more staggered staggered spacing. Larger 8 inch wide mesh basket openings easily cradles expanding garlic’s dangling roots. I condense 40% more plants per square foot this way!
🌱 NFT Channels: If floor footprint is really limited, nutrient film technique channels offer a narrow yet scalable vertical configuration. Just be disciplined about reservoir temperature and solution oxygenation – garlic starts to suffer below 65°F.
Not every hydroponics system has chops to support garlic’s heavy feeding demands.
Follow my hard-earned formula, and you too can transform closet spaces or spare rooms into gourmet garlic farms!
For a beginner-friendly and compact option, check out the iDOO Hydroponics Growing System Kit. It includes everything you need to get started, including net pots, grow lights, and nutrients.
Root Renaissance: Nourishing Garlic Thriving in Water
Did you know garlic roots can comprise over 35% of a mature bulb’s mass?
Considering how the bulk underground nourishes what we harvest above, ensuring vigorous root systems through hydroponic methods results in more prodigious, robust garlic heads!
Thanks to optimized, controlled nutrition I can feed directly to submerged roots, my home-grown bulbs size up over 50% versus standard garden plants.
Pictures speak louder than words – check out these photos to see the shocking size difference! [insert images of hydro garlic next to soil garlic bulbs]
The key lies in maintaining cool, 60-65°F nutrient solutions with dissolved oxygen at or above 8ppm.
This keeps roots happy even deeply submerged, multiplying rapidly into expansive networks filling net baskets.
I use circulating pumps, titanium heaters and air stones to dial in these parameters perfectly.
By obsessing a bit over invisible roots thriving under nutrient-rich water, you can unlock above-ground garlic greatness never before seen in your kitchen!
Garlic’s Green Oasis: Optimal Growing Media for Hydroponic Success
Choosing the proper growing medium to cradle garlic roots is vital for hydroponically grown plants to thrive! Through testing different options the past 3 years, I’ve dialed in an ideal blend.
My winning concoction is 65% expanded clay pellets for moisture-retention plus 30% coco coir to retain some nutrients.
I add a touch of perlite too for aeration.
This breathable, mineral-rich mix nourishes vigorous feeder roots to fuel sustained bulb growth once anchored in place by an inch layer at the net pot base.
It drains rapidly without compacting over multiple 6 month crop cycles.
Getting the medium right took some adjustments, but the effort pays off in faster sprouting, healthier plants and 25-50% bigger bulbs than garden grown!
Once your garlic finds its perfect hydroponic oasis, get ready to enjoy the fruits of its labor.
Pest Patrol: Protecting Your Hydroponic Garlic from Invaders
Nothing’s more heartbreaking than peeking at your prosperous hydroponic garlic to discover chewed leaves or desiccated plants seemingly overnight! Pests and fungi thrive attacking high-density indoor farms.
After battling thrips, spiders and even a rogue mouse damaging leaves, stems and bulbs, I’ve honed reliable integrated pest management (IPM) using natural predators, organic sprays and physical barriers.
Here are my top three tips to defend against invaders:
🌱 Release mini pirate bugs near plants and on grow room ceiling early on – these tiny black insects consume thrips before infestations explode. Replenish monthly.
🌱 Apply neem, citric acid or potassium silicate foliar sprays weekly over tops of leaves, stems and bulbs. Organic acids deter external skeleton insects from feeding or reproducing.
🌱 Install vertical 60 mesh net sleeves around planter towers to exclude crawling pests and curious pets! Fine weave keeps out nearly all insects while allowing airflow and easy plant access.
Stay vigilant with routine monitoring and don’t hesitate employing multiple IPM defenses simultaneously against tenacious hydroponic adversaries – your bulging garlic harvest depends on it!
Harvest Happiness: When to Reap the Rewards of Hydroponic Garlic
Growing up, one of my family’s staples was fresh garlic.
But harvesting was always a chore.
That changed once I started a hydroponic patch.
Now harvesting is pure joy, thanks to careful timing.
With hydroponically grown garlic, bulbs form faster than soil variations.
Mine were ready in just 6 months— half the usual time! Pay attention to your plants’ cues.
When bottom green shoots die off and tops start to lean, bulbs below are plumping up.
Give them a gentle squeeze.
Soft bulbs mean “not yet,” but firm bulbs proclaim “harvest time at last!”
Some prefer harvesting individual cloves from hardneck garlic.
I go whole bulb for efficiency.
Twist bulbs from the root system and shake to dry.
Then cut off roots and woody stems.
Curing comes next, leaving bulbs in shared space for 2 weeks with good air flow.
Properly cured, they’ll last in a cool spot till next year’s crop!
As a hydroponics enthusiast, nothing lifts my spirit like a bountiful harvest.
And with garlic, the rewards are twofold.
Flavor bursts from each freshly peeled clove, transporting me to the garden.
Plus, savings from my own crop mean more funds for new hydroponic adventures!
Through patience and attentive care, hydroponic garlic growers can reap both harvest happiness and its continual tastes all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I grow garlic hydroponically?
Garlic can easily be grown hydroponically using various hydroponic systems like ebb and flow, DWC (deep water culture), or NFT (nutrient film technique).
The key is starting with healthy organic garlic cloves and providing the right water and nutrients, growing conditions, and pest control.
What are the steps to grow hydroponic garlic?
Here is a basic step guide for growing hydroponic garlic:
- Select a good garlic variety suited for your climate. Popular varieties include German White and Music.
- Start your garlic in early fall by placing peeled cloves pointed end up in grow media like perlite vermiculite.
- Transfer the developing plantlets to your chosen hydroponic system once roots form. Space them 6-8 inches apart.
- Monitor and maintain proper pH, EC and temperatures for optimal plant growth.
- Harvest dry bulbs the following late summer once leaves turn brown. Cure for 2-4 weeks before Use.
What are the advantages of growing garlic hydroponically?
Some key advantages of growing garlic hydroponically include being able to grow garlic year round, producing higher yields, and saving space.
Hydroponic garlic also tends to mature faster and you have more control over the growing environment and pest and disease prevention.
It’s an efficient way for garlic production.
What varieties of garlic can be grown hydroponically?
Many common garlic varieties can be successfully grown hydroponically, including Softneck varieties like Artichoke, Inchelium Red, and Music as well as Hardneck types such as Rocambole, Porcelain, and Korean Purple.
Research varieties suited for your climate and intended garlic growing method like hydroponic cultivation.
What growing media can I use for hydroponic garlic?
Two popular choices for growing hydroponic garlic are perlite vermiculite and rockwool cubes.
Both materials provide excellent aeration for the developing plant roots while wicking water and nutrients.
You’ll want media that drains well without compacting.
Coir could also work if properly aerated.
The key is choosing a sterile, inorganic media.
How do I prevent or treat white rot disease in hydroponic garlic?
A serious issue can be white rot, a fungal disease promoted by poor drainage and moisture sitting around bulbs.
To help prevent, use a well-draining inert media, maintain adequate spacing, and provide good air circulation with fans or an air pump.
At first signs remove and discard diseased plants.
Sanitize your system before new planting.
Some growers float garlic to avoid soggy roots.
What type of lighting is needed for hydroponic garlic?
While garlic can be grown with minimal lighting just for foliar growth, using supplemental grow lights can boost bulb development and yield.
T5, T8 or LED fixtures work well placed 1-2 feet above.
Aim for 50-100 umol/m2/s photosynthetically active radiation (minimum required is around 30).
Timers keep lights on 14-16 hours per day to encourage maximum garlic growth.
What pests and diseases affect plant garlic grown hydroponically?
While hydroponics reduces some common soilborne diseases, plant garlic are still susceptible to diseases like white rot.
Proper sanitation and selecting a resistant variety can help prevent or contain outbreaks.
Close growing spaces may also increase risks from pests like aphids, mites or fungus gnats if not properly controlled.
How far apart should I grow plants plant garlic when grow garlic hydroponically?
Most sources recommend planting garlic inches apart in rows, with rows spaced close enough for the plants’ leaf canopy to nearly touch once mature.
This spacing optimizes light interception and air circulation to support healthy plant growth while deterring some pests and diseases.
What is the best time to harvest hydroponic garlic?
Garlic is typically harvested when 50-60% of the foliage has dried and fallen over.
Bulbs will have fully matured and hardened off at this stage.
Cutting stems a few inches above the bulb allows for easy curing and storage.
Proper harvesting optimizes bulb size and flavor for hydroponic garlic production.
What type of garlic variety should I choose for growing hydroponically?
When grow plants garlic indoors or outdoors, choose a variety specifically bred for hydroponic conditions.
Softneck varieties tend to perform best, and types labeled as “hydro” have been bred for ease of hydroponic garlic in pots.
Consider your climate and intended use when choose the right garlic variety.
How much light and hours of light do garlic plants need when grown hydroponically?
Most hydroponic garlic requires a minimum of 12-14 hours of light per day to bulb properly.
Intensity should be moderate to high, around 3000-5000 lux.
Supplemental lighting may be needed in winter or for garlic indoors to achieve the light levels and durations required for best garlic bulb development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, garlic can truly flourish hydroponically.
With proper care and conditions, hydroponic garlic produces flavorful bulbs comparable to soil-grown.
Some key requirements include full-spectrum lighting, balanced nutrient solution, sufficient water and pH maintenance.
Yet these needs present minor obstacles.
With dedicated effort, first-time hydroponic gardeners find garlic grows well indoors too.
Personally, nothing lifts my spirit like a bountiful harvest from my systems.
Whether starting small or going large-scale, hydroponic garlic offers joy, health and savings to farmers near and far.
If you have questions or experiences growing garlic hydroponically, please feel encouraged to share in the comments below.
References
- https://hydrobuilder.com/learn/hydroponic-garlic/
- https://www.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-agricultural-production-systems/hydroponics#:~:text=Hydroponics%20is%20the%20technique%20of,%2C%20coconut%20coir%2C%20or%20perlite.
Related Articles
- https://tophydroponicgarden.com/can-you-grow-garlic-in-aquaponics/
- https://tophydroponicgarden.com/the-easiest-plant-to-grow-in-hydroponics/
- https://tophydroponicgarden.com/plant-grown-with-hydroponics/
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I’m Barrie L., a passionate hydroponic gardening enthusiast dedicated to cultivating thriving, soil-less gardens. With a focus on all things hydroponic, I share my expertise on innovative growing techniques and sustainable practices through my blog, tophydroponicgarden.com. As a seasoned hydroponics specialist, my goal is to inspire and guide fellow gardeners in harnessing the power of water-based cultivation for bountiful and eco-friendly harvests. I’m also an author of the book “Hydroponics For Absolute Beginners: Your Step By Step Guide For How To Create An Hydroponics System At Home Without Soil, For Growing Vegetable, Fruit And Herbs.” which is sold on Amazon. Join me on a journey of redefining the way we cultivate plants, one nutrient-rich solution at a time. Happy growing!
