How to Plant Garlic in a Pot at Home

Growing garlic is a great way to add flavor to your meals while also saving money. If you don’t have a lot of outdoor space, you can still grow garlic indoors in a pot. Here’s how to do it:

Choose the Right Pot

The first step is to choose a pot that is at least eight inches deep and 10 inches wide. Garlic bulbs need enough space to grow, so ensure there is ample room in the pot. Also, ensure that the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Select the Right Garlic

Next, choose the right garlic bulb. It’s best to plant garlic bulbs that are fresh and plump. You can buy garlic bulbs from the grocery store or a nursery. Avoid planting garlic cloves that have started to sprout. You will want to use the cloves to plant the garlic, so make sure there are no cracks or blemishes.

Plant the Garlic

Fill your pot with well-draining soil mix. Make a few holes in the soil, each hole should be about two inches deep. Place one garlic clove in each hole and cover the holes with the soil mix. Space the cloves around three to four inches apart in the pot to allow each clove to grow adequately.

Water the Garlic

Water the soil until the water runs out of the drainage holes. However, be mindful of over-watering the garlic after planting, which can lead to rot. Allow the soil to dry partially between waterings. Water the plants whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Provide Adequate Sunlight

Garlic needs plenty of sunlight to grow, so place the pot in a sunny window, or provide it with a grow light if you don't have access to sunlight. Garlic requires around 6-8 hours of sun each day. Keep in mind that if the area is too cold, the garlic will have a slower growth rate.

Maintain the Garlic

Keep an eye on your garlic plants, and watch for signs of pests or disease. Make sure you keep a healthy PH balance of the soil. Garlic does not require much fertilization, so fertilize sparingly. Once the garlic begins sprouting leaves, you’ll want to remove any flowers that appear, as this can stunt growth.

When to Harvest

Garlic can be harvested in the spring when the leaves start to die, or when they turn yellow. The leaves it will be withered and brown. However, you can still pull up the bulbs if the leaves are still green, but the plant flavor will not have matured fully. Once you've harvested the bulbs, dry them in a cool, dark place so that they can be stored for later use.

Now that you know how to grow garlic in a pot, you will be able to harvest your own fresh garlic and take your culinary creations to new heights.