Are you tired of traditional methods of growing garlic that takes up a lot of space and requires plenty of maintenance? Fear not, as there is a solution for you! Hydroponic garlic growing offers a convenient and efficient way to cultivate this flavorful herb. Hydroponic gardening allows you to enjoy freshly grown garlic all year round without the need for soil or a large backyard. In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about growing garlic hydroponically, from the necessary equipment to the planting process.
Choose The Right Varieties
To ensure a successful harvest, you need to choose the right type of garlic for hydroponic growing. Hardneck garlic is the best choice for hydroponic gardening because of its large cloves and sturdy stems. This type of garlic is also more adaptive and easier to grow than other kinds. Softneck garlic, on the other hand, does not work well because of its weak, floppy stems that require support from soil.
Provide Enough Light
As with any hydroponic growing, hydroponic garlic requires a good source of light. Garlic plants require at least 12 hours of light per day to grow properly. While natural light is ideal, you can also use artificial lights such as LED or fluorescent lights. Place the plant at a distance of at least six inches from the lights to avoid burning the leaves.
Maintain Proper Temperature
Hydroponic garlic grows best under cooler temperatures of 60°F to 65°F. So it’s essential to keep your plants in a location with a constant temperature range. If you have limited control over the temperature, consider using a thermostat to regulate it. It is important to keep the temperature within this range, as temperatures above or below this range can cause garlic growth to slow or stop altogether.
Add Essential Nutrients
Plants need a balanced nutrient solution to grow, and hydroponic garlic is no exception. Fortunately, garlic is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal fertilization. Ensure the nutrient solution has sufficient amounts of potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Nitrogen is essential during the growing period, while potassium and phosphorus are required during the blooming period.
Harvesting Your Garlic
Garlic is usually ready to harvest about eight months after planting. The signs that garlic is ready to harvest are when the garlic tops start to turn yellow and fall over, while the fleshy portion of the bulb becomes rampant. You can harvest the garlic by uprooting it, but it is essential to cure it properly for a more extended shelf life. Hang the harvested garlic in a warm and dry location (75°F and 60% humidity) for 4-6 weeks before using it.
Growing hydroponic garlic can be a great way for gardeners and farmers to cultivate this flavorful herb. With the right varieties, adequate light, proper temperature, adequate nutrient supply, and a few weeks of patience, you can quickly grow garlic hydroponically. Hydroponic garlic provides gardeners with a year-round supply of fresh garlic without the need for a large garden. So why not try your hand at hydroponic garlic growing and enjoy the benefits of homegrown garlic today!
