- Quick Guide: Learn everything you need to know to successfully grow garlic in pots, from choosing the right variety to harvesting your delicious bounty.
- Cold Climate Tips: Discover specific advice for growing hardy garlic in colder regions.
- Warm Climate Strategies: Explore methods for cultivating garlic even in mild winters.
- Container Selection: Find the perfect pot for your garlic and avoid common pitfalls.
- Soil, Fertilizer, and Care: Get expert tips on soil composition, fertilization, watering, and winter protection.
Growing your own garlic is incredibly rewarding. The flavor of homegrown garlic far surpasses anything you can find in a grocery store, plus you get to choose from a wider range of exciting varieties. And the best part? Growing garlic in pots is surprisingly easy! Whether you have a sprawling garden or a tiny balcony, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know about How To Grow Garlic In Pots successfully.
Contents
Understanding Garlic Growth
Before we delve into the specifics of container gardening for garlic, it’s crucial to understand the garlic growth cycle. Garlic has a long growing season—approximately 8 to 9 months from planting a small clove to harvesting a full head. Think of it this way: you could grow a whole human baby in the same time it takes to grow a head of garlic! But don’t let the timeline intimidate you. The exquisite taste of homegrown garlic is well worth the wait. In cooler climates, garlic cloves are typically planted in autumn around the first frost and harvested the following summer.
Garlic cloves growing into a full head.
Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck. Each has its own characteristics that influence its suitability for container gardening.
Hardneck Garlic for Cold Climates
Hardneck garlic is the ideal choice for cold climates with harsh winters. Its resilience allows it to withstand freezing temperatures. A critical factor for hardneck garlic is its need for a cold period of 6 to 8 weeks below 45°F (7°C) to properly develop. If you live in a region with naturally cold winters, hardneck garlic is your best bet.
Softneck Garlic for Mild Climates
Softneck garlic thrives in milder climates. If your region doesn’t experience the necessary 6-8 weeks of cold temperatures below 45°F (7°C), you can still grow hardneck garlic by pre-chilling it. Simply store the bulbs in a paper bag in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer for about 8 weeks before planting in early spring. This tricks the garlic into thinking it has experienced winter. Alternatively, opt for softneck varieties, which don’t require the same extended cold period.
Selecting garlic for planting.
Selecting the Perfect Pot
While terracotta pots are aesthetically pleasing, they are not the best choice for growing garlic. Their porous nature leads to rapid water evaporation, requiring constant watering. Additionally, they are prone to cracking in freezing temperatures. Opt instead for frost-proof materials such as plastic, glazed ceramic, fiberstone, or plasti-stone. Ensure your chosen container has a drainage hole and is at least 8 inches deep to accommodate root growth. The width depends on how many cloves you plan to plant—a larger pot allows for more cloves and less frequent watering.
Choosing a pot for growing garlic.
The Ideal Soil Mix
Using the right soil mix is crucial for growing healthy garlic. A well-drained mix prevents rot, while a fertile and substantial mix supports the plant’s growth. Combine high-quality potting soil with compost in a 3:1 ratio. This blend provides the necessary nutrients and drainage for optimal growth.
Fertilizing Your Garlic
Garlic, being a bulb plant, requires a significant amount of phosphorus to produce large heads. Incorporate 2-3 tablespoons of granular organic bulb fertilizer into the potting mix before planting.
Planting Your Garlic
Plant your garlic cloves around the time of your first frost. Separate the cloves from the bulb, reserving the largest for planting. Plant each clove pointy end up, about 3 inches deep, and 3-4 inches apart. Water thoroughly and apply a 1-2 inch layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, for winter insulation.
Planting garlic cloves in a pot.
Winter Care
Place your pot in a sunny location (at least 6-8 hours of sunlight). In mild climates, the pot can remain outdoors all winter. In colder climates, move the pot to a sheltered location and insulate it with leaves or bubble wrap. Consistent watering, even during winter, is essential for preventing the bulbs from drying out.
Insulating a potted garlic plant for winter.
Spring and Summer Care
Once spring arrives, return the pot to a sunny spot and continue watering regularly. Apply another 2 tablespoons of granular organic bulb fertilizer. As the garlic grows, remove any scapes (curly flower stalks) that appear on hardneck varieties to encourage bulb development.
Harvesting
Harvest your garlic when about 50% of the foliage has turned yellow, typically in early summer. Gently unearth the heads and cure them according to standard garlic curing practices.
Successfully grown garlic in a pot.
Growing garlic in pots is a truly gratifying experience. Though it requires patience, the reward of flavorful, homegrown garlic is well worth the effort. Share your own garlic-growing experiences and tips in the comments below!