Hello Kawan Mastah! In this article, we will discuss how to grow garlic in an unconventional way using an empty Aqua plastic bottle. Not only will this method save space, but it is also environmentally friendly. You can also use this method to grow garlic if you do not have a garden or outdoor space. So, let’s get started!
What You Need:
Before we start, let me first list down the materials and tools that you will need to do this project:
Materials |
Tools |
|---|---|
Bulbs of Garlic |
Scissors |
Empty Aqua Bottle |
Marker |
Soil |
Watering Can |
Preparing the Bottle:
The first step is to clean the Aqua bottle thoroughly. Rinse it with soap and water, and let it dry in a cool, shaded place. Once it is dry, take the scissors and cut off the top part of the bottle. The height of the remaining bottle should be around 20 cm.
Next, take the marker and draw two horizontal lines around the bottle, one line around 7 cm from the bottom and the other around 14 cm from the bottom. These lines will serve as guides for planting the garlic.
Planting the Garlic:
Now, it’s time to plant the garlic. First, fill the bottom part of the bottle with soil, up to the first line that you drew. Press down the soil to make it firm. Then, take the garlic bulbs and separate the cloves. Place each clove between the first and second lines that you drew earlier. Make sure that the pointed end of the clove is facing upwards.
Add more soil to cover the cloves, and press it down again to make it firm. Water the soil lightly using a watering can. Do not overwater as it may cause the garlic to rot. Place the bottle in a well-lit area, but not under direct sunlight.
Caring for the Garlic:
Now that you have planted the garlic, it is important to take care of it properly. Here are some tips:
Watering:
Water the garlic regularly, keeping the soil moist but not too wet. Overwatering can cause the garlic to rot, while under watering can cause the bulbs to dry out prematurely. Check the soil regularly and water when necessary.
Fertilizing:
Garlic does not require much fertilizer, but you can add some organic fertilizer to the soil once every two weeks. This will provide the necessary nutrients for the garlic to grow healthy.
Pruning:
When the garlic sprouts start to grow, you can trim them to encourage the growth of the bulbs. Cut back the sprouts to around 10 cm from the soil level. This will direct the plant’s energy towards the underground bulbs, resulting in bigger and more flavorful garlic.
FAQ:
Can I use other types of bottles aside from Aqua bottles?
Yes, you can use any type of plastic bottles that are clear and have a wide mouth. Just make sure to clean it thoroughly before using it.
Can I grow other plants using this method?
Yes, you can grow other plants that have shallow roots such as scallions, chives, and basil using this method.
How long does it take for the garlic to grow?
Garlic takes around 7 to 8 months to grow from cloves to mature bulbs. However, you can start harvesting the garlic when the leaves start to turn yellow.
Conclusion:
Growing garlic in a plastic bottle is a fun and easy way to grow your own garlic without taking up too much space. It is also an environmentally friendly way to reuse plastic bottles. By following the steps above and taking care of the garlic properly, you can harvest fresh and flavorful garlic from your own home. Happy planting!