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Can You Grow Garlic from Grocery Stores? 

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Garlic is a very popular ingredient in many dishes and is present in almost every kitchen. For home gardeners looking to grow their own food, these garlics may be one of the best options. 

But a common question for many gardeners is, “Can I plant garlic bought from grocery stores?” 

While using store-bought garlic might seem like a quick and easy solution, there’s more to it than you might think.

In this article, I’ll share some helpful info on whether you can grow grocery store garlic, how to plant it, and which types are best for your garden.

Is it possible to grow garlic from grocery stores?

Yes, you can absolutely plant garlic you bought from grocery stores. With the right type of garlic (hardneck or softneck), the right climate and a little care, store-bought garlic can thrive in your garden.

Just keep in mind that not all garlic is the same.

Some garlic bulbs in grocery stores might be treated with chemicals like sprout inhibitors (such as chlorpropham) to prevent sprouting, which can affect how the garlic will grow.

If you can, try to go for organic garlic, as it’s less likely to have those treatments.

When selecting organic garlic, look for bulbs that are firm, free of blemishes, and have a healthy, papery skin.

That usually indicates freshness and a lower risk of disease.

Which Is Best For Growing – Store-Bought Hardneck Or Softneck Garlic?

When it comes to choosing the best store-bought garlic for growing, you have two main options: hardneck garlic and softneck garlic.

While both can be grown in either climate, one usually does better than the other. So the right choice really depends on your climate.

If you live in a colder area (USDA zones 3-6), hardneck garlic is the best option. This type has adapted to survive winters, so it thrives in places with freezing temperatures.

It actually needs that cold weather to get ready for growth in the spring, making it perfect for those harsher climates.

On the other hand, if you're in a warmer climate (USDA zones 6 and above) with mild winters and hot summers, softneck garlic is ideal. Just keep in mind that if you’re in USDA zone 6 or lower, softneck garlic might not do well during the winter months.

So, whether you go for hardneck or softneck garlic really depends on where you live.

Common Risks and Concerns of Grocery Store Garlic

While planting garlic from the grocery store is possible, there are some risks to keep in mind.

One of the main concerns is the potential for diseases.

Store-bought garlic can carry hidden viruses and fungal infections that might not show up right away, but they can linger in the soil and make it tough to grow garlic or other alliums, like onions and leeks, later on.

Another common issue is white rot. This fungus causes garlic to rot in the ground, often leaving behind white, fluffy spores that can linger in the soil for years. To prevent white rot, try not to plant garlic in the same spot year after year. Instead, switch things up and choose a new location each season.

Also keep in mind that many grocery store garlic bulbs, especially those that are imported from other countries like China (as the largest producer of garlic), may be treated with chemicals to stop them from sprouting during transport.

This is done because garlic can start to grow if it gets the right warmth and moisture during transport.

Nobody wants to buy a bulb that’s already sprouting, right?

So, these treatments help keep the garlic looking fresh and good for longer.

The downside is that these chemicals can really affect with how well the garlic grows when you plant it.

If the garlic has been treated too much, it might not sprout at all or could end up growing very poorly, with smaller bulbs.

So, while you can definitely try to grow garlic from store-bought bulbs, it’s important to know about those chemical treatments. 

The best tip I can give for planting store-bought garlic?

Go for organic bulbs.

They’re less likely to have chemicals that can harm growth. Organic garlic is also more likely to be disease-free, which means you’ll reduce the chances of pests and diseases in your garden.

So, if you want to play it safe, organic garlic is definitely the way to go.

BONUS: How to Plant Your Store-Bought Garlic

To plant your garlic, start by choosing organic bulbs from the grocery store. Make sure they’re firm and free of mold. 

Next, prepare the soil by mixing in some compost to create a well-draining environment that garlic loves. If you’re not sure how to make your own compost, check out our guide on how to compost for techniques to get started.

When you’re ready, break the bulb into individual cloves, keeping the papery skin on, and plant them about 2 inches deep with the pointed end facing up, spacing them 4-6 inches apart. 

After planting, give them a good watering and add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. 

Lastly, make sure your garlic gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day, and keep an eye out for any pesky pests. When the lower leaves start turning yellow, it’s time to harvest. 

Be mindful though of the common mistakes in growing garlic to ensure a successful harvest.

Enjoy your homegrown garlic.

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