Floating garlic – growing roots

Here is a simple way of growing garlic roots for the root tip squash practical – a modification of the method using polystyrene ceiling tiles.

Pipe insulation with an internal diameter of approximately 15 mm is readily obtainable from a range of DIY stores. It is easily cut with scissors or a knife and we find that lengths of 1.5 to 2 cm are suitable. Cloves of varying diameters can sit in these rings of foam and if the cloves are very small, two can be placed side by side.

There is something very satisfying seeing garlic cloves with their very own lifebelts bobbing about on a tray of water.

1. Use pipe insulation with an approx. internal diameter of 18 mm. Slice into sections measuring approx. 15 mm in depth

2. Separate garlic bulb into cloves and insert one (or two small) into each ring.

3. Float rings on water in a suitable tray. Ice-cream containers are ideal. Use root tips as required after 3 to 4 days.

Developed by: Mrs Alouisa Dawkins
(Bancroft’s School, Woodford Green, Essex)