Growing your own garlic is one of the most rewarding projects for a container gardener. If you’ve ever wondered how to plant garlic cloves in a pot, you’ll be pleased to know it’s straightforward and highly successful. This simple step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right cloves to harvesting your own fragrant bulbs. You don’t need a big garden to enjoy homegrown garlic; a sunny patio or balcony is perfect.
Garlic is a forgiving plant that thrives in pots with just a little care. Whether you’re short on space or just want to keep your herbs and veggies close at hand, container garlic is a fantastic option. Let’s get your pot ready for planting.
How to Plant Garlic Cloves in a Pot
This main process is easy to follow. Success starts with good planning and the right materials. First, you need to understand the two main types of garlic, as your choice affects planting time.
Softneck Garlic: This is the type commonly found in grocery stores. It has a flexible stalk, stores very well, and produces lots of cloves per bulb. It’s best for milder climates.
Hardneck Garlic: This variety produces a hard, central stalk called a scape. It has fewer, larger cloves and a more complex flavor. Hardneck types are more cold-hardy and need a period of cold to form bulbs properly.
For most pot growers, softneck garlic is a reliable and easy choice. However, if you experience cold winters, hardneck can be a great performer.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Gathering your supplies before you start makes everything smoother. Here’s your checklist:
* A Large Pot: Garlic needs room for roots to grow. Choose a pot that is at least 8-10 inches deep and has a minimum diameter of 12 inches. The bigger, the better. It must have excellent drainage holes.
* High-Quality Potting Mix: Do not use garden soil. Use a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix. You can mix in some compost for extra fertility.
* Garlic for Planting: Source “seed garlic” from a nursery, garden center, or online supplier. Grocery store garlic can work, but it’s often treated to prevent sprouting and may carry disease.
* A Trowel or Your Hands: For digging holes.
* Watering Can: With a gentle rose attachment.
* Mulch: Straw, dried leaves, or grass clippings work well.
* Balanced Organic Fertilizer: Like a 5-5-5 or fish emulsion.
Step 1: Choosing and Preparing Your Garlic Cloves
Timing is crucial. The best time to plant garlic in pots is in the fall, about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes in your area. This allows the cloves to establish roots before winter. In milder climates, you can also plant in very early spring.
First, carefully break apart your seed garlic bulb into individual cloves. Keep the papery skin on each clove—it protects them. Select the largest, healthiest-looking cloves for planting. The small ones from the center can be used in your cooking.
Step 2: Preparing Your Container
Proper pot preparation prevents rot and disease. Follow these steps:
1. Clean your pot if it has been used before.
2. Ensure drainage holes are clear. You can place a few pieces of broken pottery or small stones over the holes to prevent soil washout.
3. Fill the pot with your potting mix, leaving about 2 inches of space from the rim.
4. Lightly water the soil so it’s moist but not soggy before planting.
Step 3: The Planting Process
Now for the fun part—actually putting the cloves in the soil.
1. Spacing: In your 12-inch pot, you can plant about 4-6 cloves. Space them 4-6 inches apart in all directions. They need room to bulb up.
2. Depth and Orientation: Plant each clove pointy end up, root end down. This is critical. The tip of the clove should be about 2 inches below the soil surface.
3. Covering: Gently cover the cloves with soil and pat it down lightly.
4. Labeling: It’s a good idea to label your pot with the variety and planting date.
Step 4: Mulching and Initial Care
After planting, water the pot gently to settle the soil around the cloves. Then, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch like straw or shredded leaves. This layer is vital. It insulates the cloves from harsh winter cold, conserves moisture, and suppresses weeds.
Place the pot in a sunny location where it will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing spot is ideal.
Step 5: Seasonal Care Through Growth
Garlic is low-maintenance but does need consistent care.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist like a wrung-out sponge. Overwatering is a common mistake that leads to rot. In winter, if the pot is exposed to rain and snow, you may not need to water at all. In spring and summer, check the soil regularly.
Fertilizing: Garlic is a heavy feeder. In early spring, as green shoots appear, apply a balanced organic fertilizer. Feed again about 4-6 weeks later, as the bulbs begin to swell.
The Scape (For Hardneck Garlic): If you’re growing hardneck garlic, a curly flower stalk called a scape will appear in late spring. Cut this off when it makes one or two loops. This directs the plant’s energy into making a bigger bulb. The scapes are a delicious bonus—you can chop and use them like green onions or in pesto.
Step 6: Knowing When and How to Harvest
Patience is key. Garlic is ready to harvest in mid to late summer, typically about 8-9 months after a fall planting.
Signs of Readiness:
* The bottom 3-4 leaves have turned brown and dry.
* The top leaves are still slightly green.
* The plant begins to look like it’s dying back—this is normal.
Do not wait for all the leaves to turn completely brown, as the bulbs may begin to separate and won’t store well.
Harvesting Steps:
1. Stop watering about a week before you plan to harvest.
2. On a dry day, gently loosen the soil with a hand fork or trowel.
3. Carefully lift the entire plant out of the pot, grasping near the base. Avoid pulling by the stem.
4. Gently brush off excess soil, but do not wash the bulbs.
Step 7: Curing and Storing Your Garlic
Curing is essential for long-term storage. It allows the outer layers to dry and form a protective wrapper.
1. Keep the leaves and stems attached.
2. Place the bulbs in a single layer in a warm, dry, airy, and shaded spot (like a garage or covered porch). Good air circulation is crucial.
3. Let them cure for 3-4 weeks.
4. Once the roots are brittle and the wrappers are papery, trim the roots and cut the stems down to about an inch.
5. Store your cured garlic in a cool, dark, dry place. A mesh bag or a basket works perfectly.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with good care, you might encounter a few issues.
* Yellowing Leaves: This is normal near harvest time. If it happens early, it could be overwatering, poor drainage, or a need for fertilizer.
* Small Bulbs: Usually caused by planting small cloves, overcrowding, insufficient sunlight, or not enough fertilizer during the growth phase.
* Pests: Onions thrips and aphids can sometimes be a problem. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap usually manages them.
* White Mold on Soil Surface: This is usually a harmless fungus from moist, organic soil. You can scrape it off and let the soil surface dry a bit more between waterings.
FAQ: Your Garlic Planting Questions Answered
Can I plant supermarket garlic?
You can, but it’s not ideal. Store-bought garlic is often treated with a sprout inhibitor and may be a variety unsuited to your climate. For best results, buy certified seed garlic.
How many cloves can I plant in one pot?
In a standard 12-inch diameter pot, 4-6 cloves is perfect. They need the space to develop full-sized bulbs without competition.
Do I need to chill garlic before planting?
If you’re planting hardneck garlic in a mild climate (where winters stay above freezing), you may need to “vernalize” the cloves by placing them in a paper bag in the fridge for 4-6 weeks before planting. This mimics winter.
Can I grow garlic indoors?
You can grow garlic greens indoors by planting cloves close together in a shallow pot. For full bulbs, it’s very challenging due to the high light requirements and long growing season. An outdoor patio is much better.
Why are my garlic leaves turning brown at the tips?
Slight browning at the very tips can be from windburn or a minor nutrient deficiency. Ensure you are feeding the plant properly and that it’s not in an overly windy location.
Planting garlic in a pot is a simple and deeply satisfying project. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll nurture a few cloves into a harvest of flavorful, homegrown garlic. The process teaches patience and provides a tangible reward for your efforts. Get your pot and cloves ready this season, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying your very own garlic crop, grown right outside your door. There’s nothing quite like the taste of garlic you’ve grown yourself.