Container Plant Information: Garlic

How To Grow

1. Choose a Container: Select a container that is at least 12-16 inches deep and has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
2. Select Garlic Bulbs: Purchase garlic bulbs from a garden center or nursery. Choose bulbs that are large and healthy, preferably organic.
3. Prepare the Container: Fill the container with well-draining potting soil mixed with compost. Garlic prefers loose, fertile soil with good drainage.
4. Break Apart Bulbs: Break apart the garlic bulbs into individual cloves, but keep the papery skin intact. Each clove will grow into a new garlic plant.
5. Plant the Cloves: Plant the garlic cloves in the soil, pointed end up, and about 2 inches deep. Space the cloves about 4-6 inches apart to allow room for growth.
6. Water Regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the garlic whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
7. Provide Adequate Sunlight: Place the container in a sunny location where the garlic will receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
8. Fertilize as Needed: Garlic doesn’t require much fertilizer, but you can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
9. Mulch the Soil: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, to help retain moisture and suppress weeds around the garlic plants.
10. Harvest: Garlic is typically ready to harvest when the tops begin to turn yellow and dry out, usually in late spring or early summer. Gently dig up the garlic bulbs, brush off excess soil, and allow them to cure in a warm, dry place with good air circulation for about 2-3 weeks before storing them in a cool, dark location.

Check out our detailed guide to grow garlic in a container.