Useful Tips & Tricks Garden Designs for Beginners/69 Days Growing Vegetables on the Balcony

Here’s a detailed guide on how to grow #garlic on a #balcony:
Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Garlic
Softneck Garlic: Best for mild climates and produces a higher yield.
Hardneck Garlic: Suitable for colder climates and has a stronger flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic
Buy Garlic: Choose organic garlic from a local market or seed garlic from a nursery (avoid grocery store garlic, as it might be treated to prevent sprouting).
Separate Cloves: Gently break apart the garlic bulb into individual cloves without removing the papery skin.
Step 3: Select Containers
Use deep pots or containers (at least 8-10 inches deep) with drainage holes.
Grow bags or recycled containers like buckets can also work well.
Place trays underneath to catch excess water if needed.
Step 4: Prepare the Soil
Use well-draining potting soil mixed with compost or organic fertilizer.
Garlic prefers soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
Step 5: Plant the Cloves
Planting Depth:
Push each clove into the soil about 2 inches (5 cm) deep with the pointed end facing up.
Spacing:
Space cloves about 4 inches (10 cm) apart to allow for growth.
Cover with Soil: Gently cover the cloves with soil and pat it down lightly.
Step 6: Watering
Water immediately after planting to settle the soil.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
Step 7: Provide Sunlight
Place the container in a sunny spot on your balcony.
Garlic needs 6-8 hours of sunlight daily to grow properly.
Step 8: Fertilize
Fertilize every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer or compost tea to promote healthy growth.
Step 9: Care and Maintenance
Weeding: Remove any weeds from the container to avoid competition for nutrients.
Mulching: Add a layer of straw or dried leaves on the soil surface to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
Inspect for Pests: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and use organic remedies like neem oil if needed.
Step 10: Harvesting Garlic
When to Harvest:
Garlic is ready to harvest when the lower leaves turn yellow or brown (usually 7-8 months after planting).
How to Harvest:
Gently loosen the soil and pull out the garlic bulbs.
Curing the Garlic:
Hang the bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place for 2-3 weeks to cure.
Step 11: Store and Enjoy
Once cured, trim the roots and leaves.
Store in a cool, dry place for long-term use.
Pro Tips:
Planting Time: Plant garlic in the fall for a summer harvest, or in early spring for a late-season harvest.
Companion Planting: Grow garlic alongside herbs like basil or flowers to repel pests.
Replanting: Save the biggest cloves from your harvest for replanting next season.