How to grow garlic sprouts? Practical methods for planting them on a balcony
Garlic sprouts are a common vegetable in daily life. People add some when making soup or stir-frying, and they are very popular. Their price is never low each year, and many families like to grow some on the balcony, so how do you grow garlic sprouts on a balcony?
1. Soil culture method
1. Pot and soil selection
Prepare a larger flower pot; a ceramic pot or clay pot will both work. Ordinary garden soil can be used, and it is best to add an appropriate amount of fertilizer, which is more conducive to growth. Once prepared, put it into the flower pot and set it aside.
2. Seed selection
Choose garlic bulbs that have no pests or diseases and are not damaged, then break them apart, being careful not to damage the outer skin. For potted care, plant them together with the skin on.
3. Sowing
Before planting, moisten the soil with water first, then plant the garlic bulbs directly into the soil, planting them one by one separately, with the bulb facing down and the pointed end facing up, and not too deep. Also note that they must not be placed too close together; leave a certain amount of space. This is because they will swell after absorbing water, and being too close will affect growth and development.
4. Planting management techniques
The growth and development of garlic cannot be separated from water and light. After planting, they will take root and sprout within a few days. Once the soil surface is found to be dry, replenish water in time and always keep it moist, but be careful not to let water accumulate. It should also be placed in a place with good light and can be cared for on the balcony; garlic sprouts grow faster when they receive light. Later, fertilize once a month, and remember to dilute the fertilizer first. When the seedlings reach a certain height, they can be cut off for eating.
2. Hydroponic method
1. Hydroponic timing
Hydroponics has no requirements for timing, but it is best carried out in autumn; with suitable temperatures, they will grow more vigorously. If done at other times, pay attention to temperature control and maintain it at around 20 degrees, otherwise they will not sprout.
2. Seed selection
For hydroponics, choose garlic bulbs that have no pests or diseases and are not damaged. You can peel off the outer skin or plant them directly with it on. Generally, peeled ones grow better than those cultivated whole, so it is more recommended to peel off the outer skin before planting.
3. Hydroponic techniques
After the garlic bulbs are prepared, simply place them in a tray, or use a water cup or mineral water bottle, either is fine. After placing them, fill with water. Note that they must not be placed too crowded; leave gaps, because the garlic bulbs will swell after absorbing water, and if too crowded, growth will be affected. After that, pay attention to temperature control, and seedlings will grow in about a week.
4. Watering
During hydroponics, note that the water must not be changed in the middle; when there is little water, just add water directly. In the middle stage of care, change the water about once a week, and after changing it, rearrange the garlic bulbs once. In the later stage, it cannot be changed, and the green algae on top should also be cleaned frequently to avoid affecting growth. In addition, when harvesting, be careful to leave about three centimeters at the bottom; the rest can all be cut off.
Overall, growing garlic sprouts on a balcony is very easy, and they can be cultivated in soil or water. When cultivating, just peel off the garlic skin, plant them evenly in the soil or place them in a flower pot, and then water them appropriately and garlic sprouts will grow.