Can I Plant Supermarket Garlic?

If you’ve ever wondered whether supermarket garlic can be planted in your garden, the answer is yes, but with some considerations. While supermarket garlic is often used for cooking, it can also be used to grow your own garlic crop. However, there are a few factors to keep in mind when using garlic purchased from the store to grow at home, especially in the UK climate.

Can I Plant It in the Garden?

Yes, supermarket garlic can be planted in your garden, but it’s important to remember that garlic from the supermarket is usually treated to prevent sprouting. This means that while it may still grow, it may not perform as well as garlic purchased specifically for planting. If you decide to plant supermarket garlic, it’s best to choose a variety that’s not been overly processed.

Should I Plant It Indoors or Outside?

Garlic generally grows best outdoors in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. It can be planted in containers indoors, but this may not offer the same yield as planting outdoors in the garden. Garlic needs a period of cold temperatures to develop properly, which is why growing it outside during the cooler months of the UK is typically more successful.

Preparing the Area

Before planting garlic, it’s important to prepare the soil properly. Garlic prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Start by loosening the soil and removing any weeds. Adding compost can enrich the soil, providing the necessary nutrients for garlic to grow strong and healthy. Ensure the area receives plenty of sunlight as garlic requires at least six hours of direct light each day.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Supermarket Garlic in the UK

Planting supermarket garlic is simple, but there are steps to follow to increase your chances of success. Begin by separating the garlic bulb into individual cloves. Choose large, healthy cloves for planting, as smaller ones may not grow as well. Plant the cloves with the pointed end facing upwards, about 2-3cm deep and 15-20cm apart. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged to encourage healthy root development.

How to Grow Garlic from Planting a Supermarket Bulb

To grow garlic from a supermarket bulb, follow the basic planting instructions mentioned earlier. Once planted, ensure the cloves are well-spaced and allow enough room for the garlic to develop. Water the plants regularly, but avoid overwatering, as garlic does not like soggy conditions. As the garlic grows, you may need to protect it from pests or diseases, which can sometimes affect supermarket garlic.

When to Plant Garlic

In the UK, the best time to plant garlic is in the autumn, typically between October and December. This allows the garlic to establish its roots before the colder winter months. The garlic will then continue to grow in the spring, ready for harvesting by late summer. Timing is crucial, as planting too early or too late can affect the size and quality of the bulbs.

Planting Garlic

Once you have your garlic cloves, it’s time to plant them. Make sure the soil is prepared and that each clove is planted at the correct depth. As garlic grows, it will develop green shoots, which will need regular care and attention. During the growing season, garlic requires consistent watering and a little patience as it takes several months to mature.

Caring for Garlic

Garlic care is straightforward, but it requires some attention to detail. Water the garlic regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not overly saturated. Avoid using heavy fertilisers; instead, add organic compost to the soil for nutrition. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, slugs, or snails, which can damage the garlic plants. If needed, use natural methods to keep these pests under control.

Growing Garlic: Problem-Solving

If your garlic isn’t growing as expected, there are a few common issues to address. Garlic can suffer from diseases such as rust, mildew, or rot if the soil isn’t well-drained. If you notice your garlic’s leaves turning yellow or the bulbs failing to grow large, check the soil conditions and consider moving your garlic to a new location with better drainage.

Harvesting Garlic

Garlic is usually ready for harvest in the summer, around July to August. When the leaves start to yellow and dry out, it’s time to harvest. Gently dig around the bulbs and pull them up, being careful not to damage the cloves. After harvesting, allow the garlic to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for a few weeks to ensure the bulbs are fully dried and ready for storage.

Buying Garlic

While supermarket garlic can be used for planting, it’s often a good idea to buy garlic specifically meant for planting. These varieties are usually untreated and better suited for growing. When purchasing garlic, look for organic or seed garlic from a reputable supplier to ensure a higher chance of success.

Garlic Varieties to Grow

There are several garlic varieties that grow well in the UK climate. Softneck varieties, such as ‘California Early,’ are well-suited for milder UK winters, while hardneck varieties like ‘Purple Stripe’ and ‘Rocambole’ perform well in cooler climates. Choose a variety that suits your growing conditions and desired flavour profile.

Choosing the Right Bulb

Not all supermarket garlic is suitable for planting. Garlic purchased in stores is often from larger-scale producers, and the bulbs are usually treated with chemicals to prevent premature sprouting. This treatment can affect how well the garlic will grow if planted in your garden. For the best chance of success, select large, healthy bulbs that have no signs of mold or damage. It’s also important to choose garlic that hasn’t been overly processed. Organic or non-treated garlic is ideal for planting, as it’s less likely to have been chemically altered.

Garlic From Supermarkets vs. Seed Garlic

While supermarket garlic can be planted, garlic purchased from a gardening supplier, known as "seed garlic," is often a better choice. Seed garlic is specifically grown for the purpose of planting, meaning it has not been treated or subjected to the same conditions as supermarket garlic. Seed garlic is typically free from the chemicals that supermarket garlic may have been exposed to, making it more likely to sprout and grow successfully. If you do choose to plant supermarket garlic, understand that it may not perform as well as seed garlic, but it can still be worth a try, especially if you're new to growing garlic.

Factors Affecting Growth

Several factors can influence the growth of supermarket garlic. Garlic requires a cold period to develop properly, which is why it’s typically planted in autumn in the UK. The garlic will then spend the winter months establishing its roots and begin to grow as the weather warms in spring. If you plant supermarket garlic outside of this optimal planting window, it may not grow as well, resulting in smaller bulbs or delayed sprouting. Additionally, garlic requires well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, so ensure that the planting site provides these conditions for the best results.

Pests and Diseases

Another consideration when planting supermarket garlic is the potential for pests and diseases. While supermarket garlic is not immune to issues such as rot, rust, or mildew, garlic from stores might be more susceptible to these problems, particularly if it has been stored improperly. It’s essential to monitor your plants carefully for any signs of disease. In some cases, supermarket garlic may not be as resistant to pests and diseases as seed garlic, which is bred for better resilience.

Patience is Key

Garlic is a relatively low-maintenance crop, but it does require time and patience. From planting to harvest, garlic typically takes about 8 to 9 months to mature. During this time, regular watering is important, but overwatering should be avoided. As the garlic grows, it will send up shoots, and by late summer, the leaves will begin to yellow and die back. This is usually a sign that the garlic is ready for harvest. The patience required to grow garlic is one of the key challenges for many gardeners, but the satisfaction of harvesting your own homegrown garlic makes it worthwhile.

Storing Garlic

Once your garlic is harvested, it must be properly dried or "cured" to ensure it lasts through the year. After digging up the garlic bulbs, allow them to cure in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area for a couple of weeks. This process helps to harden the skins and prevent rot. Once fully cured, the garlic can be stored in a cool, dark place, where it will stay fresh for months.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while supermarket garlic can be planted, it may not be the best option for growing a successful crop of garlic. It is possible to use it, but it may not sprout as effectively as garlic specifically sold for planting. For optimal growth, it’s recommended to use certified seed garlic, which is untreated and bred for planting. However, if you’re new to growing garlic and want to experiment, supermarket garlic is a good starting point. With the right care, you may still have success in growing your own garlic.