Can You Plant Garlic in a Pot?

Many people assume that planting garlic can only be done in a traditional garden bed, but the truth is that garlic can also be grown in pots. There are several reasons why someone might choose to grow garlic in a pot, such as limited outdoor space or wanting to have fresh garlic easily accessible in their kitchen. Whatever your reason may be, here's what you need to know about planting garlic in a pot.

The Right Pot

The first thing you need to consider when planting garlic in a pot is the size of the pot. Garlic needs room to grow, so choose a pot that is at least 8-10 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate several cloves. You also want to choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting in the soil and rotting the garlic bulbs.

The Right Soil

Garlic thrives in well-draining soil, so choose a potting mix that contains sand or perlite to ensure good drainage. You should also add compost or fertilizer to the soil to provide the garlic with the nutrients it needs to grow. Mix the soil and fertilizer or compost together thoroughly before filling the pot.

The Right Garlic

When planting garlic in a pot, you can use seed garlic or cloves from a bulb of garlic. If you choose to use seed garlic, make sure to choose a variety that is suitable for container gardening. Alternatively, you can break apart a bulb of garlic and plant the individual cloves, making sure to keep the papery skin intact.

The Right Planting Techniques

To plant garlic in a pot, start by filling the pot with your prepared soil mix. Take one individual clove or seed garlic and press it firmly into the soil, pointed side up. Make sure the clove is covered by at least an inch of soil, and water the pot thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a sunny location.

The Right Care

Garlic planted in pots needs to be watered regularly, but not overwatered. If the soil becomes waterlogged, the garlic bulbs will rot. Be sure to fertilize the plant every few weeks to provide it with the nutrients it needs to grow. As the garlic grows, it may need to be staked to prevent it from falling over. Harvest the garlic when the tops have turned brown and the leaves have died back. Once the garlic has been harvested, it can be dried and stored for later use.

Planting garlic in a pot is a great option for those with limited outdoor space or who want to grow fresh garlic close to their kitchen. With the right pot, soil, garlic, planting techniques, and care, you can grow garlic successfully in a pot.