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Can You Plant Organic Garlic From The Store?
Can you plant organic garlic from the store? Yes, you can plant organic garlic from the store. Garlic is a great choice for a beginner vegetable garden because it’s easy to grow and doesn’t require a lot of care. Simply break the head of garlic into individual cloves and plant them about an inch below the surface of the soil. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not wet, and in a few weeks, you’ll start to see sprouts emerge.
When it comes to gardening, there are a lot of myths out there. Can you plant organic garlic from the store? The answer is yes – but there are a few things you need to know first!
In this blog post, we will discuss how to plant organic garlic from the store and provide some tips on how to make sure your plants grow healthy and strong.
What Is the Difference Between Organic and Non-Organic Garlic?
At first glance, it might seem like there is not much of a difference between organic and non-organic garlic. After all, both types of garlic have the same pungent flavor and smell that we love so much in our cooking.
However, there are actually some key differences between these two varieties of garlic. Starting with their origins, organic garlic is grown using organic methods sometimes from heirloom varieties that have been naturally bred over many generations, and other times using hybrid varieties that produce better or are pest resistant.
Non-organic garlic is grown using non-organic methods that use chemical fertilizers or chemical pesticides.
Most of the garlic that is readily available in supermarkets in the US is grown and shipped over from China. This garlic is mass-produced on large farms using highly processed methods and chemicals that can impact the taste and quality of the final product.
So, if you care about getting top-quality flavor in your cooking, it is worth seeking out organic garlic whenever possible.
Ultimately, the choice between organic and non-organic garlic really comes down to what you want to put in your body and the qualities you value most in your food.
What Is the Difference Between Store-Bought Garlic and Seed Garlic Bought Online?
The difference between store-bought garlic and seed garlic you can buy online is that store-bought garlic is typically grown using non-organic methods in large farming operations in China whereas the seed garlic you can get online is typically certified seed garlic.
You really do not know what went into the store-bought garlic during the growing process but with the certified seed garlic, you know that you are getting good quality garlic to grow in your garden.
Can You Tell if Garlic Is Organic Just by Looking at It?
You really cannot tell if the garlic you are looking at is organic or not just by looking at it. All you can really go off of is if the garlic you looking at is labeled organic or not.
If you cannot find any garlic that is labeled organic, your best bet is to go with the seed garlic that you can buy online as it is more likely to be certified organic.
What Are Some Benefits of Growing Your Own Organic Garlic?
- Can avoid harmful pesticides and fertilizers
- Can get fresher and more flavorful garlic
- Can know exactly what went into the food you’re eating
- Can save money in the long run
These are just a few of the benefits of growing your own garlic. There are also a lot of health benefits to eating garlic that you should consider.
What Is the Best Type of Garlic to Plant?
There are many different types of garlic that you can plant. The type of garlic you choose to plant will depend on your personal preferences.
Some people prefer to plant soft neck garlic because it is easier to grow and produces a larger bulb. Softneck garlic is typically better suited to grow in the southern parts of the United States where the weather is a lot warmer.
Other people prefer to plant hard neck garlic because it has a stronger flavor. Hardneck garlic is better suited for colder climates and will also produce scapes which are edible flower pods that emerge from the center of the garlic bulb.
These scapes are delicious when sauteed with a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
No matter what type of garlic you choose to plant, you can be sure that it will be delicious!
When Should You Plant Garlic?
The best time to plant garlic is in the fall, about six weeks before the first frost date in your area. This gives the garlic cloves enough time to develop a strong root system before winter sets in.
If you live in an area with a mild climate, you can also plant garlic in early spring. Just keep in mind that if you plant garlic in early spring, it will mature earlier than if you had planted it in the fall.
Where Should You Plant Garlic?
Garlic prefers well-drained soil with a pH between six and seven. If you are not sure about the pH of your soil, you can have it tested by your local cooperative extension service.
It is also important to make sure that the area where you plant garlic gets full sun for at least six hours a day. If you do not have an area in your yard that gets full sun, you can grow garlic in pots or raised beds.
How to Plant Organic Garlic from The Store?
The first step is to break the head of garlic into individual cloves. You want to make sure that each clove has a piece of the root attached as this will help the clove to sprout.
Once you have your cloves ready, it is time to plant them. You want to plant the cloves about two inches deep and six inches apart. If you are planting more than one row of garlic, you want to space the rows about two feet apart.
After you have planted the cloves, water them well and mulch around the plants with straw or leaves. This will help to keep the ground moist and protect the garlic from frost in the winter.
Now all you have to do is wait for your garlic to grow! In about seven or eight months, you will be able to harvest your very own organic garlic!
How Long Does It Take Garlic to Grow?
Garlic typically takes between 7 and 9 months as it is planted in roughly October depending on where you live and harvest in June or July. Garlic is a crop that takes a while to grow but overall, there is nothing like tasting fresh garlic from the ground.
You can also use the garlic leaves throughout the growing season in different dishes and even let a few bulbs stay in the ground to perennialize for future seasons. You can harvest garlic at a very young stage, which is generally referred to as green garlic and is less pungent when used in cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions about store-bought garlic:
Does Supermarket Garlic Grow?
Yes, supermarket garlic will grow if you follow the process that is outlined in this article. There are some rare occasions where garlic that is sold in supermarkets has been sprayed with a growth inhibitor which will render them useless.
I find that this is pretty rare and I have grown supermarket garlic numerous times over the years with great success.
Can I Plant Garlic from The Store that Has Already Sprouted?
Yes, you can absolutely plant garlic from the store that has already sprouted. So, no matter if you brought it home already sprouted or if you had some sprout in your pantry, you can plant those garlic cloves just as they are.
You will want to plant the garlic cloves with the sprouted part facing up just as you would if it weren’t sprouted. Just make sure to leave the green growth above the soil level.
Do You Peel Garlic Before Planting?
Yes, and no. In order to plant garlic, you will want to peel the outer skin or covering on the outside of the garlic bulb to expose the inner cloves. Once you get to this point, you will actually leave the papery skin on each individual clove as it provides a little protection for the cloves once planted in the ground.
Can You Grow Garlic in Pots?
Yes, you can grow garlic in pots or containers. The thing to remember is to get a container that is at least 6 to 8 inches deep. Fill it with a good high-quality potting mix that is full of organic matter that will retain some moisture but is also well-draining. This will keep your garlic from staying too wet.
In Conclusion
Growing garlic from the store is a great way to get your hands on some fresh, organic garlic. All you need is a sunny spot in your yard and some cloves of garlic! In about seven or eight months, you’ll be able to harvest your own delicious garlic.
