Growing garlic in a pot was one of those garden experiments that I didn’t expect to fall in love with, but now, I can’t imagine my little patio garden without it. There’s something so satisfying about knowing that in a few months, I’ll have fresh, homegrown garlic to use in the kitchen—garlic that I’ve nurtured from a simple clove to a fully grown bulb. It’s honestly magical!
When I first started, I wasn’t sure if garlic would really thrive in a container. But after a bit of research and some hands-on experience, I realised it’s totally possible, and surprisingly easy too! If you’ve ever thought about growing your own garlic but don’t have the garden space, or if you’re like me and just love the idea of a portable herb garden, here’s exactly how I did it. These 7 easy steps will have you growing garlic in a pot like a pro.
1. Choose the Right Garlic (And the Right Time)
The first thing I learned is that not all garlic is the same. There are two main types: **softneck** and **hardneck**. For growing in a pot, I recommend hardneck garlic because it tends to be more cold-hardy, and you get the bonus of garlic scapes (those curly shoots that are delicious in stir-fries). That’s what I went with, and it’s been a success!
The best time to plant garlic is in the **autumn**. Planting in autumn allows the garlic to establish roots before winter sets in, and then it will start growing again when spring arrives. When I planted mine in October, I felt a sense of calm knowing that while everything else in the garden was dying down, my garlic was just beginning its journey.
2. Pick a Deep Pot with Good Drainage
Garlic likes to grow deep, so choosing the right pot is essential. I picked a pot that was at least 10-12 inches deep** and had good drainage holes at the bottom. Garlic hates having soggy roots, so drainage is key.
I started with a terracotta pot, which I love because it’s breathable, and the garlic seemed to thrive in it. The pot also looks pretty on my patio! If you’re worried about water logging, you can add a layer of gravel or small stones at the bottom of the pot to help with drainage.
3. Use the Right Soil Mix
Garlic prefers loose, well-draining soil. I made the mistake once of using heavy garden soil in a pot, and let’s just say, my plants weren’t happy. For garlic, I went with a good quality potting mix and added some organic compost to give it a nutrient boost.
This combination ensures the soil stays loose and drains well, but still holds enough moisture for the garlic to grow strong. It was amazing to see how quickly the roots took hold in the right mix!
4. Plant the Cloves Pointy-Side Up
Now, this is the fun part. Take your garlic bulb and gently separate it into individual cloves. **Don’t peel the cloves**, just plant them as they are. I planted each clove about **2-3 inches deep**, with the pointy side facing up and the flat root-end down. You’ll want to space them about 4-6 inches apart if you’re planting multiple cloves in one pot.
When I planted my first garlic cloves, it felt like I was tucking them in for a long winter’s nap. I always think it’s amazing how something so small will turn into a full garlic bulb in just a few months.
5. Water Consistently, But Don’t Overdo It
One of the things I’ve learned about garlic is that it likes moisture but hates being waterlogged. After planting the cloves, I watered them lightly, just enough to moisten the soil. Then, throughout the growing season, I made sure to keep the soil consistently moist, but never soggy.
In the winter months, I watered sparingly since the garlic doesn’t need much when it’s dormant. By spring, when the green shoots started to appear, I increased the watering again. Watching those little shoots pop up felt like a mini victory every time!
6. Place the Pot in Full Sun
Garlic loves the sun, and lots of it. I made sure to place my pot in a sunny spot on the patio where it would get at least **6 hours of sunlight a day**. The more sun, the better the garlic will grow.
It’s so simple, but honestly, ensuring my garlic was soaking up enough sun made all the difference. The shoots grew taller, and the bulbs developed beautifully underground.
7. Be Patient and Harvest at the Right Time
The hardest part about growing garlic? **Patience**! Garlic takes about 7-9 months to mature. I knew mine was ready when the leaves started to turn brown and die back—this happened around July for me. When about half the leaves had browned, I gently lifted the bulbs from the soil with a small hand trowel.
I remember that first harvest like it was yesterday—pulling the bulbs out and seeing how plump they’d grown was one of the most satisfying moments of my gardening journey. After harvesting, I let the garlic cure in a cool, dry place for a couple of weeks, which helps it store longer.
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Final Thoughts: Why You Should Grow Garlic in Pots
Growing garlic in pots has been such a rewarding experience. Not only does it save space, but it’s also incredibly low-maintenance, and the payoff is huge! There’s something magical about being able to grow your own fresh garlic, even if you don’t have a garden. Every time I use one of my homegrown cloves in the kitchen, it’s a little reminder of the care I put into growing it.
So, if you’ve been thinking about giving garlic a try, I say go for it! With these easy steps, you’ll be enjoying your own fresh garlic in no time, and trust me, nothing beats that flavour. Happy planting!