Preparing the Pot

To successfully plant garlic in a pot, the first thing you need to do is to make sure the pot is deep enough. Garlic has long roots and requires a depth of at least 8 inches. Secondly, use a well-draining soil mix, a mix of compost and peat moss works well for garlic. Finally, add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil mix to ensure that the bulbs have enough nutrients throughout the growing season.

Planting the Garlic

Once you have prepared the pot, you can now start planting the garlic cloves. Start by breaking apart a garlic bulb into individual cloves. Make sure the cloves are firm and intact, and avoid using damaged cloves. Plant the cloves about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Ensure that the pointed end of the garlic clove is facing up and the flat end is facing down. After planting, water the soil thoroughly.

Caring for the Garlic

To ensure that your garlic grows well, it is essential to provide the proper care. Garlic requires a consistent supply of water, as well as ample sunlight, to grow properly. Water the soil when it feels dry to the touch, but be careful not to overwater as this can result in root rot.

Fertilizer is also essential for healthy garlic growth. Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing as this can damage the bulbs.

Weeding the pot frequently is essential to avoid competition for nutrients and water with the garlic. You can safely use a hoe or hand weeder to remove weeds as they appear.

Harvesting the Garlic

Harvesting garlic is an exciting affair that is best done when the leaves start to yellow and dry up. The bulbs need to be dug up carefully, using a garden fork. Take care not to damage them in the process. Once you have harvested the garlic, brush off any soil carefully and store them in a cool dry place.

Bonus tip: To develop larger bulbs, prune off the garlic scapes once they start to curl backwards. This will allow more energy to be directed towards the bulb formation.

In conclusion

Garlic is a great plant to grow in pots, provided you are equipped with the necessary knowledge. With this guide, you can successfully grow delicious garlic bulbs in the comfort of your home.