Growing your own garlic is surprisingly easy, even if you don’t have a garden. This simple container gardening guide will show you how to grow garlic in pots right on your patio, balcony, or doorstep.
You get fresh, flavorful bulbs with minimal space and effort. All you need is a pot, some soil, and a few garlic cloves. Let’s get started with this straightforward method.
How to Grow Garlic in Pots
The process is simple: plant a clove, grow a bulb. Container growing offers great control over soil and sun exposure. It’s a perfect project for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
Why Choose Container Garlic?
Pots are ideal for many reasons. They save space and let you move plants to catch the best sun. You also have less issues with weeds and soil-borne diseases. It’s a clean and managable way to garden.
Best Garlic Types for Containers
You have two main choices: softneck and hardneck garlic. Softneck varieties store longer and are great for warmer climates. Hardneck types produce a delicious flower stalk called a scape and prefer colder winters.
For pots, try softneck types like ‘California Early’ or ‘Inchelium Red.’ They adapt well. If you want hardneck, ‘Music’ or ‘German Red’ are reliable choices. Always buy seed garlic from a nursery or online supplier for best results.
When to Plant Your Garlic
Timing is crucial for a good harvest. In most regions, plant garlic in the fall, a few weeks before the ground freezes. This allows the clove to establish roots before winter. The bulb then grows vigorously in spring.
In milder climates, you can also plant in very early spring. The yeild might be smaller, but you’ll still get a harvest. Check your local frost dates for the best schedule.
Gathering Your Supplies
You won’t need much to begin. Here’s a simple list to gather before you start.
* A Container: Choose a pot at least 8-10 inches deep and with a similar width. It must have excellent drainage holes. Fabric grow bags are also a fantastic option.
* Potting Mix: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting soil. Do not use heavy garden soil, as it compacts in pots.
* Garlic Cloves: Select firm, healthy bulbs from a seed source. Grocery store garlic is often treated to prevent sprouting.
* Fertilizer: A balanced organic fertilizer or one slightly higher in nitrogen to start.
* A Sunny Spot: Garlic needs full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct light per day.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these numbered steps for the best results. It’s a simple process that takes just a little time.
1. Prepare Your Container. Fill your pot with the potting mix, leaving about 2 inches from the rim. Gently firm the soil, but don’t pack it down tightly.
2. Separate the Cloves. Carefully break apart your garlic bulb into individual cloves. Keep the papery skin on each clove—it acts as a protective layer.
3. Plant the Cloves. Push each clove, pointy end up, into the soil. Plant them about 3 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart from each other.
4. Cover and Water. Cover the cloves with soil and give them a thorough watering. This settles the soil around them.
5. Add Mulch (Optional). In cold climates, a layer of straw or leaves on top can insulate the cloves over winter. In spring, you can remove it or leave it to supress weeds.
Ongoing Care for Your Garlic
Once planted, garlic is quite low-maintainance. Consistent care leads to plump, healthy bulbs at harvest time.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Overwatering is a common mistake that causes rot. In pots, soil dries out faster, so check it regularly, especially in spring.
Feeding: In early spring, as green shoots grow rapidly, feed with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Then, switch to a balanced fertilizer as the bulbs begin to form later in spring.
Weeding: Keep the pot free of weeds, which compete for nutrients. Container gardening makes this task very easy compared to a garden bed.
The Scape Harvest (for Hardnecks): If you’re growing hardneck garlic, a curly scape will appear in early summer. Cut it off when it makes one full loop. This directs the plant’s energy into the bulb. And scapes are delicious to eat!
Harvesting Your Homegrown Garlic
Knowing when to harvest is key. Look for the lower leaves to turn brown while the top 5-6 leaves remain green. This usually happens in mid-summer. Don’t wait for all the leaves to die back.
To harvest, gently loosen the soil with a hand fork or trowel. Carefully lift the entire bulb out. Avoid pulling by the stem, as it can break. Be patient and dig around the bulb first.
Curing and Storage
Proper curing ensures your garlic stores for months. It’s a simple but vital step.
1. Brush off excess soil, but don’t wash the bulbs.
2. Place them in a single layer in a warm, dry, airy spot out of direct sun. A garage or covered porch works well.
3. Let them cure for 3-4 weeks. The outer skin will become papery and the roots will dry out.
4. Once cured, trim the roots and cut the stalks if desired. Store your garlic in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with good care, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to handle them.
Yellowing Leaves: This is normal later in the cycle. If it happens early, it could be overwatering or a need for fertilizer. Check your soil moisture first.
Pests: Onion thrips or aphids can sometimes appear. A strong spray of water or an insecticidal soap usually manages them. Good air flow helps prevent problems.
Diseases: White rot or rust can affect garlic. Always use fresh potting mix and ensure your container is clean. Remove any affected plants immediately to prevent spread.
Small Bulbs: This is often due to planting too late, not enough sun, or overcrowding in the pot. Ensure you follow the spacing and sunlight guidelines for next season.
FAQ: Your Garlic Questions Answered
Can I plant garlic from the grocery store?
You can try, but it’s not always reliable. Supermarket garlic is often treated to inhibit sprouting and may be varieties unsuited to your climate. For best results, buy seed garlic.
How long does it take to grow garlic in a pot?
Garlic is a long-season crop. When planted in fall, it will be ready for harvest in about 8-9 months. Spring-planted garlic takes a slightly shorter time, about 5-6 months.
Can I grow garlic indoors?
It’s challenging because garlic requires full, direct sun and a period of cold for proper bulb formation. A very sunny, south-facing window might work, but outdoor results are typically much better.
Why are my garlic leaves falling over?
If they fall over early in spring, it could be due to overwatering or pest damage. If they fall over in summer as the lower leaves brown, this is a natural sign that harvest time is approaching.
How many cloves can I plant in one pot?
In a standard 10-inch diameter pot, you can plant about 3-4 cloves. For a 14-inch pot, 6-8 cloves is a good number. Always maintain the 4-6 inch spacing for healthy growth.
Growing garlic in containers is a rewarding project. With just a little preparation and patience, you can enjoy the unmatched flavor of homegrown garlic. The process is simple and the results are well worth the wait. Start planning your fall planting today, and you’ll have a fresh supply of garlic by next summer.