Garlic is one of the most rewarding and effortless vegetables you can grow at home—especially when you grow it in water. No soil, no digging, no mess. Just fresh garlic greens and even full bulbs using simple water-growing methods that anyone can do. Whether you’re a beginner gardener, short on space, or simply love fresh garlic for cooking, this guide will show you five incredibly easy ways to grow garlic in water right in your kitchen.
In this complete 1200-word article, you’ll discover how to start garlic in jars, cups, hydroponic setups, and recycled containers. You’ll also learn how to harvest delicious garlic greens quickly and how to encourage bulb formation even in water.
Why Grow Garlic in Water?
Growing garlic in water has become a popular gardening trend for several reasons:
No soil required
Almost no maintenance
Fast results—greens ready in 7–14 days
Perfect for small indoor spaces
Great for kids, beginners, and apartment gardeners
Uses leftover store-bought garlic
While garlic grown in water usually produces long, tasty greens rather than full bulbs, certain methods help encourage bulb development as well.
What You Need to Get Started
Before you begin any method, gather the following:
- Fresh garlic bulbs (organic or sprouting garlic works best)
- Clear jars, cups, or water containers
- Clean water (filtered or boiled-and-cooled preferred)
- Toothpicks (optional)
- Net cups, sponges, or hydroponic lids (optional)
Choose large, firm cloves—they sprout faster and produce stronger greens.
Method 1: Classic Water-in-a-Jar Method (Fastest & Easiest)
This is the simplest and most common method for growing garlic in water. It’s perfect if you want quick garlic greens for cooking.
How to Do It:
- Separate garlic cloves but don’t peel them.
- Fill a small glass jar with 1–2 cm of clean water.
- Place the garlic cloves root-side down.
- Ensure the bottom just touches the water—not fully submerged.
- Place in a bright spot with indirect sunlight.
Growth Timeline:
- 2–4 days: roots appear
- 5–7 days: shoots begin to grow
- 10–14 days: garlic greens ready to harvest
What You Harvest:
Fresh, flavorful garlic greens—perfect for salads, stir-fries, fried rice, eggs, soups, and garnishing.
Method 2: Toothpick Suspension Method (Prevents Rotting)
If your garlic frequently rots in water, this method helps keep the clove dry at the top while allowing roots to grow at the bottom.
You Need:
- 3 toothpicks
- A cup or jar
Steps:
- Insert toothpicks around the clove to hold it up.
- Suspend the garlic over a cup so only the root end hovers above the water.
- Water should barely touch the underside of the clove.
- Change the water every 2–3 days.
Benefits:
- Prevents mold
- Allows good airflow
- Encourages faster root development
Tip:
Use this method if your garlic bulbs are large.
Method 3: Growing Garlic Greens in a Hydroponic Cup
This method produces long, healthy garlic greens and allows you to grow many cloves at once.
What You Need:
- A plastic cup or small container
- A hydroponic lid or DIY hole lid
- Water
Steps:
- Cut or drill small holes (1–1.5 cm) in a lid.
- Insert garlic cloves halfway into the holes—root side down.
- Fill the container with water until it touches the bottom of the cloves.
- Keep container in a bright location.
Advantages:
- Grow 10–20 cloves at once
- Great air circulation
- Super clean and soil-free
Common Uses:
Perfect for harvesting a weekly supply of garlic greens for cooking.
Method 4: Using a Sponge or Grow Pad (Ideal for Kitchens)
This method mimics microgreen growing—clean, simple, and decorative.
Materials:
- A flat tray
- Sponge, grow pad, or cotton
- Garlic cloves
Steps:
- Place the sponge or pad inside the tray.
- Add water until the sponge is moist but not flooded.
- Arrange the garlic cloves upright.
- Keep in a well-lit area.
Benefits:
- No stagnant water → reduced odor
- Easy to move around
- Clean and suitable for kitchen countertops
Best For:
People who want a continuous supply of garlic greens without handling jars or cups.
Method 5: Bulb Formation in Shallow Water (Advanced Method)
While garlic grown in water usually focuses on greens, this method encourages bulb enlargement.
What You Need:
- A wide, shallow container
- Pebbles or marbles
- Water
Steps:
- Fill a shallow tray with a thin layer of pebbles.
- Add water until it touches the top of the pebbles.
- Place garlic cloves root-side down among the pebbles.
- Make sure cloves stay above water but roots can reach it.
- Keep in a sunny window with 4–6 hours of light daily.
Why This Works:
- Pebbles provide support
- Airflow reduces rot
- Moisture levels mimic soil hydration
While bulbs may not get as large as soil-grown garlic,
you can still encourage a small but impressive bulb formation.
Water Care — The Secret to Healthy Garlic Growth
Water quality and maintenance are essential.
Water Changing Schedule:
- Every 2–3 days for small jars
- Every 3–5 days for larger setups
- Immediately if water turns cloudy
Best Water:
- Filtered or boiled & cooled water
- Room-temperature water
- Avoid chlorinated tap water if possible
Keep water low to avoid submerging cloves — only roots should stay wet.
Light Requirements for Fast Garlic Growth
Garlic grows best with bright, indirect sunlight, but it can adapt to low light conditions with slower growth.
For fastest results:
- 4–6 hours of bright light per day
- South- or east-facing window
- Optional: use grow lights for winter or indoor areas
More light = stronger greens and better bulb development.
How to Harvest Garlic Greens
Garlic greens taste like mild garlic and are packed with antioxidants.
When to Harvest:
- When shoots reach 15–25 cm
- Usually within 10–14 days
How to Harvest:
- Cut the greens about 2 cm above the clove
- Greens will regrow at least one more time
Uses in Cooking:
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Noodles
- Soups
- Omelets
- Dumpling fillings
- Garlic oil
- Sandwiches & salads
These greens are delicious, fragrant, and incredibly healthy.
Can You Grow Full Garlic Bulbs in Water?
Yes, but they will be smaller than soil-grown bulbs.
To maximize bulb formation:
- Use Method 5 (Pebble Tray Method)
- Provide strong sunlight
- Keep water levels shallow
- Replace water consistently
- Allow roots to absorb oxygen
Full bulbs may take 2–3 months to form.
Tips for Success When Growing Garlic in Water
Use organic garlic
Non-organic garlic is often treated to prevent sprouting.
Keep cloves dry on top
This prevents mold and rot.
Remove any rotten cloves immediately
Rot can spread.
Use many cloves for a continuous supply
Plant new cloves every 1–2 weeks.
Don’t overcrowd containers
It reduces airflow and slows growth.
Why You Should Try Growing Garlic in Water
Growing garlic in water is fun, simple, and incredibly rewarding. With minimal space and almost zero effort, you can enjoy fresh garlic greens within days. Whether you’re decorating your kitchen with jars of sprouting garlic or harvesting greens weekly, it’s a satisfying and practical project.