As you know I am a Indoor Garden Advocate, however there are some vegetables that can not be grown successfully in aeroponic or hydroponic indoor garden systems.
After waiting for what felt like ages, I finally got to plant my long-awaited garlic in the Greenstalk Vertical Garden. As a first-time outdoor gardener, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to grow my own garlic and experiment with different varieties.
For those unfamiliar with the Greenstalk Vertical Garden, it’s a unique vertical garden system that allows you to grow a variety of plants in a small space. It’s perfect for those with limited outdoor space or who want to grow plants indoors. The Greenstalk Vertical Garden consists of several tiers, each with multiple planting pockets that can be filled with soil and plants.
One of the great things about the Greenstalk Vertical Garden is its versatility. You can grow almost anything in it, from herbs and vegetables to flowers and succulents. And with the self-watering system, it’s easy to keep your plants hydrated and healthy.
As for growing garlic in the Greenstalk Vertical Garden, here’s what I have learned to do and the steps for a beginner like myself.
- Choose the right garlic variety: There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck.
- Which is better softneck or hardneck garlic? Hardneck garlic tends to have a superior flavor, larger cloves, and a greater cold tolerance than softneck garlic. However, softneck garlic is more popular because it has a longer shelf life. Also hardneck garlic is better suited for colder climates, while softneck garlic is better for warmer climates.
- Prepare the soil: Garlic prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. You can mix in organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve the soil’s quality and drainage. I am using Fox Farm – Strawberry Fields Potting Soil recommendation by a local gardening store when I was searching for a good soil to grow in.
- Plant the garlic: Garlic bulbs are made up of individual cloves. Break apart the cloves and plant them with the pointed end facing up, about 2-3 inches deep and 6 inches apart. I planted my garlic in the top tier of the Greenstalk Vertical Garden to ensure they received enough sunlight.
- Water regularly: Garlic needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. The self-watering system in the Greenstalk Vertical Garden makes it easy to keep your plants hydrated. Just make sure to check the water level in the reservoir regularly.
- Harvest the garlic: Garlic takes about 8-9 months to mature. When the leaves start to turn yellow and dry up, it’s time to harvest. Carefully dig up the bulbs and let them dry in a warm, dry place for a few weeks before storing.
In conclusion, the Greenstalk Vertical Garden is a versatile and easy-to-use garden system that can help you grow a variety of plants, including garlic. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh garlic that you can use in your cooking or share with family and friends. I can’t wait to see how my garlic turns out and experiment with growing other plants in my Greenstalk Vertical Garden!