Growing garlic at home is simpler than you might think, and you don’t even need a whole bulb to get started. Here’s how you can grow garlic using just a single clove:

Step 1: Choose the Right Clove

Select a healthy and large clove from a garlic bulb. It’s best to use organic garlic because non-organic garlic might be treated with growth inhibitors to prevent sprouting. Each clove you plant will produce a new bulb, so the quality and size of the clove are crucial.

Step 2: Prepare for Planting

Choose a time to plant your garlic clove. In many climates, the best time to plant garlic is in the fall, a few weeks before the ground freezes. This gives the clove time to establish roots before the winter. You can also plant in early spring, as soon as the ground is workable.

Step 3: Plant Your Clove

Plant the clove in well-drained soil in a part of your garden that receives plenty of sunlight. Position the clove with the pointy end facing up and the root end down. Plant the clove about 2 inches deep and space multiple cloves about 6 inches apart if planting more than one.

Step 4: Care for Your Garlic

After planting, cover your cloves with a layer of mulch, such as straw or leaves, to protect them from severe cold and help retain moisture. Water the cloves as needed to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Garlic doesn’t require much attention but keep an eye out for weeds and remove them regularly.

Step 5: Watch for Growth

As the weather warms in spring, you’ll see green shoots emerging from the soil. Remove the mulch gradually as the threat of hard frost passes. Continue to water your garlic plants to support their growth, ensuring the soil remains moist.

Step 6: Harvest Time

Garlic is typically ready to harvest in the summer, once the lower leaves start to brown and die back. The exact timing will depend on your climate and when you planted. To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the bulb with a spade or garden fork and lift the garlic out of the ground.

Step 7: Curing and Storage

Once harvested, cure your garlic by hanging it in a cool, dry place or laying it out on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area. Curing should take about a few weeks. After curing, trim the roots, cut off the dried leaves, and store your garlic in a cool, dry place.

With these simple steps, you can grow your own garlic with just a single clove, providing a fresh and flavorful addition to your cooking straight from your garden!