Growing garlic in pots is a long-term project that is both straightforward and mostly hands-off. This technique is particularly valuable if you’ve missed the ideal planting window and the ground is frozen, or if you lack outdoor growing space. Fortunately, garlic is versatile and easy to grow in containers, both indoors and outdoors, making it possible to cultivate this edible bulb year-round regardless of where you live. By following some simple steps, you can successfully plant garlic in pots and enjoy your own homegrown garlic.
Garlic, a member of the genus Allium, is closely related to onions, leeks, and chives. It is exceptionally tolerant of cold temperatures and can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7. If you live outside these zones, taking some precautions for extreme temperatures can help. There are two main types of garlic: softneck and hardneck. Softneck garlic has smaller but more numerous cloves and thrives in mild climates. Hardneck garlic produces fewer but larger cloves and is more suited to colder climates. Additionally, hardneck garlic grows a flowering stem called a garlic scape, which is not found in softneck varieties. Softneck garlic stores for up to a year, while hardneck garlic has a shelf life of about six months.
For optimal growth, garlic should be planted in the fall as temperatures start to drop. Planting at this time encourages root development before the leaves emerge, giving the garlic a head start in spring. When choosing garlic bulbs (often called seed garlic), buy from reputable garden centers rather than grocery stores, as the latter might be treated with growth inhibitors.
To plant garlic in pots, begin by selecting the right container. Garlic requires moisture but doesn’t need deep soil due to its shallow root system. Planter boxes and short containers are ideal. Use plastic pots as they retain moisture better than clay pots and are easier to move. Fill your container halfway with potting mix, mix in organic fertilizer like Espoma Garden-tone, then fill the rest of the container up to an inch below the rim. Separate the garlic cloves from the bulb, keeping the largest, firmest cloves for planting. Plant each clove, pointed side up, about twice its depth in the soil, and space them three inches apart. Water thoroughly until excess water drains out.
Garlic needs a chilling period below 40°F for about two months to develop properly. In very cold areas, protect newly planted garlic cloves in outdoor pots with a thick layer of straw or fallen leaves, or keep the pots in an unheated garage until spring. Ensure the garlic remains moist but do not water if the soil is frozen. Once the chilling period is over and leaves start to grow, place the container in full sun and water regularly. In hot climates, daily watering might be necessary. Fertilize every other week with a general-purpose or garlic-specific organic fertilizer.
Growing garlic indoors is also possible, though it is best grown for its edible leaves without supplemental lighting. Place the pot in a south-facing window once leaves emerge, and keep it well-watered. Fertilizing indoor garlic is usually unnecessary as the cloves have enough stored nutrients to support leaf growth. Harvest the leaves when they are a few inches long, and you may get a second harvest from the same cloves.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should you avoid when growing garlic in pots?
Avoid planting garlic too early or too late, and ensure proper soil and container preparation. Plant cloves a few inches apart and make sure they are upright. Crowded cloves result in smaller garlic bulbs.
Can I plant garlic near other potted plants?
Keep potted garlic separate from certain vegetables and herbs, such as asparagus, green beans, peas, sage, cilantro, and parsley, as garlic can stunt their growth and flavor. Maintain a reasonable distance between garlic and these plants to ensure healthy growth for all.
