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Growing your own herbs and vegetables at home is becoming more and more popular, isn't it? On our blog, we'll teach you how to grow herbs, like mint and basil, vegetables like onions and garlic, aloe vera, and even fruit trees in houses and apartments.

If you have a yard and garden, you can enjoy a wide variety of homegrown, fresh, and organic food. But even if you live in a small house or apartment, growing garlic and onions is quite easy! All you need is a sunny balcony or patio, fertile soil (readily available at garden centers), some pots, and seeds or bulbs. We'll give you all the instructions you need to start growing. By following these simple steps, you could be harvesting in about six to seven months.

How to Grow Onions at Home

To start, you'll need to get onion seeds or sets (small bulbs). Onions are typically planted in the spring, between March and May in most of North America. Purchase pots that are about 12 inches deep and at least 12 inches in diameter. In each pot, you can plant two onion sets or several seeds. Choose soil that is well-aerated and mixed with compost or other organic matter.

Preparation:

The first step is to prepare the soil well and fill your pots. The soil shouldn't be too dense, but it also shouldn't be too sandy. It needs to be loose and fluffy so that the roots can breathe and the bulbs can develop properly.

If you prefer to plant from seed, sow them about 1 inch deep. It's also important to keep the pots indoors for at least a month until the onion seedlings emerge. Once you see the plant sprouting and growing above the soil surface, you can move the pot outside to your balcony or patio.

If you prefer to plant sets, plant two per pot, also about 1 inch deep. In this case, the pot can stay outside from the beginning, provided the weather is suitable.

The pots should receive direct sunlight daily for the onions to grow strong and vital. The plants need spring sun and mild temperatures. Don't forget to water them lightly every day.

After six to seven months, when the onion stalks are large and a deep green color, your onions will be ready to harvest. They may not be huge, but their flavor will be delicious. To naturally help deter pests, consider planting radishes among your onions.

How to Grow Garlic at Home

Now that you know how to grow onions, you'll find growing garlic quite simple, as the steps are very similar. Besides being a beloved seasoning, garlic also has many medicinal properties. Let's get started!

You will need:

• 1 head of garlic
• 1 pot about 8 inches deep and 8 inches in diameter
• Soil enriched with natural fertilizers or compost

Preparation:

The best time to plant garlic for harvesting the following summer is in the fall (September to November) before the ground freezes. However, for a quicker, smaller harvest in containers, you can also plant in early spring (March-April), as they still need warmth and sunlight to sprout and grow well.

The first thing to do is separate the garlic cloves from the head, keeping the papery skin on each clove.

The second step is to prepare the pot. Place drainage material, like small pebbles or gravel, at the bottom of the pot so that excess water can easily escape each time you water the plants.

Add the enriched soil and plant the garlic cloves about 4 inches deep, with the pointed end facing upwards. This might seem minor, but it makes a difference! You can plant multiple cloves in the same pot, just be sure to space them about 3 inches apart.

Place the pot in a location that receives direct sunlight. Water the plants only about once a week, as excessive moisture can be harmful to the growing bulbs.

After about six to seven months, you'll be able to harvest your organic garlic and onions, enjoying their unique flavor and therapeutic properties!