To regrow garlic, separate the individual cloves from the bulb and plant them directly into the ground.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
- Timing: The ideal time to plant garlic for regrowth is typically in the fall (around October/November in many regions) for a summer harvest. You can also plant in early spring, but the bulbs may be smaller.
- Preparing the Garlic: Keep the garlic bulbs intact until just before planting (no more than 1-2 days before). Gently pull apart the individual cloves. Select the largest, healthiest cloves for planting, as these will yield the best results.
- Preparing the Soil: Choose a location with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve fertility.
- Planting the Cloves:
- Plant each clove pointy-end up, about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart.
- Space rows about 10-12 inches apart.
- Cover the cloves with soil and water thoroughly.
- Ongoing Care:
- Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
- Scapes (Optional): Some hardneck garlic varieties produce scapes (flower stalks). Removing these scapes encourages the plant to put more energy into bulb development, resulting in larger garlic bulbs.
Important Considerations:
- Variety: Choose a garlic variety suited to your climate. Hardneck varieties generally do better in colder climates, while softneck varieties are better suited to warmer climates.
- Seed Garlic: Source your garlic cloves from a reputable source to ensure they are disease-free. Avoid using garlic from the grocery store, as it may have been treated to prevent sprouting.
- True to Type: Note that garlic seeds (if they develop from scapes that aren't removed) will not produce garlic identical to the parent plant. It's best to regrow garlic using cloves.
By following these steps, you can successfully regrow garlic and enjoy a fresh harvest.
