Growing garlic in plastic bottles with just water is an interesting and space-saving method for urban gardeners or those with limited outdoor space. This method, often part of a hydroponic system, allows garlic to develop roots and sprout green shoots, which are also edible. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grow garlic in plastic bottles using water.

Materials Needed:

• Plastic bottles: 1-liter or 2-liter bottles are ideal.

• Garlic bulbs: Choose healthy bulbs from the store or a garden center.

• Knife or scissors: To cut the plastic bottles.

• Water: Preferably distilled or non-chlorinated.

• Optional: Hydroponic nutrients: These can help the garlic grow better since water alone doesn’t provide all the necessary nutrients.

Steps to Grow Garlic in Plastic Bottles:

1. Prepare the Plastic Bottles:

   • Clean the bottles thoroughly to remove any residues or contaminants.

   • Cut the top off each bottle, about 5 inches from the cap end. This will serve as your container.

   • Drill or poke a few small holes in the bottle caps for water drainage if the water level rises too high.

2. Prepare the Garlic:

   • Break the garlic bulb into individual cloves. Make sure each clove has some of the base attached, which is where the roots will sprout.

   • Do not peel the cloves, as the skin protects the clove and helps retain moisture.

3. Planting the Garlic:

   • Place the cloves in the bottle tops, pointy end up. You can use the bottle cap to hold the cloves just at the water’s surface without fully submerging them. This setup allows the roots to grow into the water while keeping the top part of the cloves dry, preventing rot.

   • Only the very bottom of each clove should touch the water.

4. Adding Water and Nutrients:

   • Fill the bottom part of the bottle with water. The roots will grow down into this reservoir. Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation and bacterial growth.

   • If using hydroponic nutrients, follow the instructions for proper dilution and add them to the water. This provides the garlic with essential nutrients for growth.

5. Positioning:

   • Place the bottles in a location that receives plenty of sunlight, such as a windowsill or under grow lights. Garlic needs a good amount of light to grow properly.

6. Care and Maintenance:

   • Watch for root growth and green shoots starting to emerge from the top of the cloves.

   • Refresh the water regularly, and ensure it doesn’t get too cloudy or foul-smelling.

   • If the green shoots look like they’re turning yellow, it could be a sign of nutrient deficiency—consider adjusting the hydroponic nutrient levels.

7. Harvesting:

   • The garlic greens can be harvested once they are about 6-8 inches tall. Cut what you need and allow them to grow back.

   • Typically, garlic cloves grown in water won’t develop into new bulbs since they need soil to form bulbs properly. However, the greens are edible and have a mild garlic flavor.

This method is great for educational purposes or for growing garlic greens, which can be used in cooking, much like scallions. They’re great for adding a fresh garlic flavor to salads, soups, and other dishes.