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If you are interested in growing garlic in a hydroponic system, there are a few things you need to know. Garlic is a root vegetable, and like other root vegetables, it needs a well-aerated growing medium that is rich in nutrients. Unlike other root vegetable, garlic needs exposure to sunlight to grow properly. In addition, a garlic clove must be planted upside down in the hydroponic system for best results. Keep reading to learn more about how to grow garlic in a hydroponic system.

What is garlic?

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a plant in the onion family. It is a bulbous plant that grows in temperate climates. Garlic has a very strong odor, not just in the bulbs but in the plant itself. Garlic is widely used around the world for its flavor and health benefits. There are generally two types of garlic; softneck garlic (artichoke garlic and creole garlic etc.) and hardneck garlic. Both can be grown hydroponically.

Can you grow garlic hydroponically?

If you're looking to start growing your own garlic, hydroponic system is the way to go. Garlic prefers a dry growing environment. Hydroponics is a more efficient technique of plant growth than soil-less gardening or fertilization with chemicals. This approach consumes less room and resources yet it provides all of the nutrients required for the garlic development.

Is it feasible to cultivate this sort of plant in a hydroponic system?

Certainly. You shouldn't have any issues as long as the growing plants are given adequate lighting and substrate. Of course, you'll also need to pick the appropriate type of system so that you can easily provide your plants with what they require.

Is it difficult to grow garlic in a hydroponic system?

While it might be difficult to start growing garlic in hydroponic system, once you master the basics, it won't be too difficult. The first step toward success is to ensure that you have the necessary skills.

You'll also want to make sure you have all of the necessary tools and are cultivating a strain that's suitable for your needs. In conclusion, growing hydroponic garlic isn't difficult, but it does need a degree of patience.

Requirements for growing Garlic hydroponically

The best thing about garlic is that it can be grown hydroponically with ease. All you need is a little bit of space and the proper supplies, and you're good to go.

Here are the supplies you'll need:

A growing light

Garlic needs at least six hours of sunlight per day, so if you're planting garlic indoors, you'll need to provide artificial growing light.

A hydroponic system

There are many different types of hydroponic systems available, so you'll need to pick the one that's right for you. You can plant your garlic in a perlite vermiculite mix or even coco coir.

Nutrients

Garlic needs a variety of nutrients in order to grow properly, so you'll need to make sure you have a nutrient source for the plants.

Growing medium

You'll need something to grow the garlic in, and there are many different options to choose from.

Suitable Temperature

While garlic can tolerate a range of temperatures, it prefers cooler conditions. Make sure you keep your hydroponic garden in a room that doesn't get too hot.

How to grow garlic in hydroponics

If you're ready to get started, simply follow the steps outlined below. We'll show you how to begin your garlic crop, from selecting the correct hydroponic system to caring for and harvesting garlic.

Following are the steps:

1. Find the best system for growing garlic hydroponically

Just about any kind of system will work for growing garlic - it mostly comes down to personal preference. 

DWC (Deep Water Culture)

The technique of DWC is identical to that of batch growing. However, instead of suspending in water, the roots are suspended in the hydroponic nutrient solution. The plant roots stay in the reservoir for the rest of their lives. To provide oxygen to the root zone, you'll need an air pump and an airstone.

The major advantage of this kind of system is that there are fewer working components, resulting in less overall maintenance. You must, however, be cautious about feeding your plants in this type of setup as over or underfeeding is easy.

Ebb and Flow (Flood & Drain)

Another alternative is to use ebb and flow. You'll find that an ebb and flow system, also known as flood and drain, is simple to operate. Every four to six hours, a water pump will move nutrients from the flood table into the root zone of your garlic plant (and hence your soil).

The flooding frequency is predetermined, making it an excellent option for growers who want a more automated approach. You may adjust the ebb and flow system to your needs, whether it's one or two plants or more than 40 crops.

2. Choose the right garlic variety

Not all garlic varieties do well in a hydroponic system. Some of the best options to consider include follow:

Silverskin

A hard neck variety, Silverskin is a prolific grower that does well in cold weather hydroponic setups. It's also resistant to pests and diseases.

Artichoke

This is soft-neck garlic that's very easy to grow and has a long shelf life.

Music

A hard neck variety, Music is disease-resistant and stores well.

Inchelium red

Another hard neck variety, Inchelium Red is a good option for those who want to grow more garlic in a warmer climate.

4. Start your plants from cloves

You can grow hydroponic garlic from seeds, but it's much easier to start with the best garlic cloves (You may opt to buy from the local farmers market or visit a Garlic nursery). You'll simply separate a fresh garlic bulb into individual cloves.Plant garlic cloves in a small pot filled with hydroponic substrate.

While planting, neither leave the tip exposed nor completely bury the cloves. However, it is important to keep the clove’s lower half submerged until roots sprout and then place it in your hydroponic system. Dampen the cloves slightly. We recommend using Rock wool since it's easy to work with and holds moisture well. The clove grows green shoots on its own.

5. Transplant your seedlings

Once your healthy cloves have sprouted, they're ready to be transplanted into your hydroponic system. To do this, simply transplant them into net pots filled with substrate. After the roots sprout, be sure to plant them at the same depth that they were planted in the older pot. The substrate also helps keep the garlic plant's root system from drying out while also maintaining enough aeration to keep the roots from rotting.

6. Add nutrients to your system

Now that your plants are in place, it's time to add nutrients to your system. Start by adding a small amount of nutrient solution to your reservoir and then increase the dosage gradually over the next week or so. Too much fertilizer can be harmful to your plants, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

7. Monitor your plants

Once your hydroponic plants are established, it's important to monitor them closely. Keep an eye out for signs of nutrient deficiencies or pest infestations. If you notice any problems, be sure to address them promptly. Diseases that plague garlic are generally limited to fungal infections, such as white Rot. Some pests that bother onions will also attack garlic but not as frequently.

8. Harvest garlic

After about six to eight months, your crop of garlic will be ready to harvest. To do this, simply cut the stalk off at the base and then hang it upside down in a cool and dry location to cure. Once it's cured, you can store it in a cool, dark place. A good way to store the garlic bulbs is to knot them into stockings, which protect the garlic but still allow it access to the air. Remember, excess lighting can also kill Garlic.

Advantages of growing Garlic hydroponically

There are many advantages to growing garlic hydroponically. Here are just a few:

You can control the environment

One of the best things about hydroponics is that you can control the environment in which your plants grow. This is important because it allows you to create an optimal environment for your plants, which in turn leads to better growth.

You can save space

Hydroponics is a more efficient way to grow garlic than a conventional garden. This is because you can grow plants in close-spaced quarters, which saves on both space and resources.

It's easy

While growing garlic hydroponically does require a bit of know-how, it's not difficult to do. With a little bit of practice, you'll be able to grow healthy garlic plants with ease.

It's sustainable

Hydroponics garden is a more sustainable way than traditional methods. This is because it uses less water and fewer resources, making it better for the environment.

Soil isn't necessary

One of the best things about hydroponics is that you don't need soil to grow plants. This means that you can grow plants in places where the soil isn't available, such as on a rooftop or in a desert.

You can grow year-round

Hydroponics allows you to grow plants year-round, regardless of the weather outside. This is a great option for people who live in climates where the weather isn't conducive to gardening.

It's versatile

Hydroponics is a very versatile way to garden. This is because it can be used to grow a variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, and flowers.

It's economical

Hydroponics is an economical way to the garden because it uses less water and fewer resources than traditional methods. This makes it a great option for people who are looking to save money.

Disadvantages of growing Garlic hydroponically

While there are many advantages to growing garlic hydroponically, there are also some disadvantages. Here are a few:

It requires maintenance

Hydroponic systems require regular maintenance in order to run properly. This means that you'll need to spend time each week cleaning and checking your system.

It's not suitable for all plants

Not all plants thrive in a hydroponic environment. This means that you may not be able to grow certain plants in a hydroponic system.

You need access to water and power

In order to run a hydroponic system, you need access to water and power. This can be a problem if you live in an area where these resources are scarce.