Homegrown garlic takes up little space and requires little effort to get a good harvest. It’s an easy crop to grow, spouting from a garlic bulb separated into cloves, which you plant individually. Certified, disease-free garlic bulbs are sold at garden centres or online.
Softneck varieties Softneck is the most common garlic type in supermarkets. Softnecks provide the greatest number of cloves per bulb – up to 18. They have a white, papery skin, store well and rarely bolt (produce a flower stalk). However, softneck garlic is less tolerant of prolonged cold temperatures and is therefore best suited to growing in milder southern counties in the UK, although it can be grown elsewhere with winter protection.
Hardneck varieties Hardneck garlic has fewer cloves per bulb – usually 10 or less. They are generally hardier than softneck types and can be grown throughout the UK.
Hardneck types will often produce a curling flower stalk or ‘scape’. This straightens out as it matures to carry a head of tiny clove-like bulbils. It is best to remove the scape as soon as it appears (use it in stir-fries) so the plant diverts its energies into producing a larger bulb.
There’s also elephant garlic, bearing giant, mild-flavoured bulbs, which you can grow for a lighter garlic taste.
Grow garlic in a warm, sunny spot, in fertile, free-draining soil that doesn’t get too wet in winter. Always buy bulbs at the garden centre or order from a seed supplier – don’t use bulbs from the supermarket.
Break up the bulbs into separate cloves and plant the large ones with the fat end downwards and the pointy end 3cm below the soil surface, or deeper in sandy soils or raised beds. Harvest from July onwards, once the top growth has begun to die back. Leave the bulbs to dry in the sun somewhere away from rainfall for a few weeks before storing.
Growing your own garlic is incredibly rewarding and delicious. But what if you don’t have space for an in-ground garden? Not to worry! You can easily grow garlic in containers right on your patio or balcony.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully growing garlic in pots, from choosing the right variety to harvesting big, beautiful bulbs. Let’s get started!
Why Grow Garlic in Containers?
There are several great reasons to try container garlic gardening
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Grow garlic anywhere – No yard? No problem! You can grow garlic on a balcony, patio, or any sunny spot.
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Better flavor – Homegrown garlic tastes fresher and more flavorful than store-bought.
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Fun to grow – Watching the slender shoots emerge and grow taller is exciting!
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Cure and store – You can cure and store garlic for months of homegrown flavor.
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Plant unusual varieties – Grow heirloom or exotic garlic not found in stores.
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It’s easy! – Garlic is one of the easiest veggies to grow in containers.
Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
There are two main types of garlic:
Softneck – Best for mild climates. Produces more cloves per bulb and stores longer. No garlic scapes.
Hardneck – Better for cold climates. Fewer larger cloves per bulb. Produces edible scapes.
Check your local growing zone and weather to determine if hardneck or softneck garlic is better suited to your climate. Also choose an early season variety if growing in a container.
Popular container varieties include:
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Hardneck: Music, Romanian Red, German Extra Hardy
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Softneck: Inchelium Red, Italian Late, California Early
Purchase garlic “seed” bulbs from a local nursery or reputable online supplier. Grocery store garlic may not grow well.
Choosing the Right Container
Pick a container at least 8 inches deep and wide, with drainage holes. Plastic, ceramic, or clay pots all work well. Dark colored pots absorb more heat to keep the roots warmer.
For a single bulb, a 12-16 inch pot is ideal. Size up for multiple bulbs. Bigger pots retain more moisture so you don’t have to water as often.
Make sure your pot has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Consider elevating the pot on “pot feet” or bricks to improve drainage.
The Best Soil for Container Garlic
Garlic thrives in loose, well-draining soil. Aim for a soil mix that’s slightly sandy or loamy. Heavy potting mixes retain too much moisture.
A good container garlic soil contains:
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1 part compost for nutrients
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1 part perlite or vermiculite for drainage
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1 part potting soil for moisture retention
You can make your own mix or use a quality all-purpose potting soil with added perlite or builders sand.
When to Plant Garlic Containers
Plant garlic in fall about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. This allows roots to establish before dormancy over winter.
Aim for mid to late October in most regions. In warmer zones, plant late November to December. If you missed fall planting, you can try planting in early spring.
How to Plant Garlic in Containers
Follow these simple steps for easy container garlic planting:
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Fill container with moistened soil mix to 1 inch below the rim.
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Break apart garlic bulb into individual cloves. Keep biggest cloves for planting.
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Plant cloves root-side down, 2-3 inches deep and 3 inches apart.
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Cover cloves with 1 inch of soil.
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Water well until water drains from bottom of pot.
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Place container in a sunny spot. Keep soil moist, not soggy.
Caring for Container Garlic
Garlic care involves providing sun, water, and protection from extreme cold/heat:
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Place pot in full sun – at least 6 hours per day.
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Water when soil is partly dry. Don’t let it completely dry out.
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In cold zones, move pot to a sheltered spot for winter dormancy.
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In hot zones, move pot to dappled shade if temps exceed 85°F.
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Once shoots emerge in spring, feed monthly with balanced fertilizer.
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Remove flower stalks (scapes) on hardneck varieties to direct energy to the bulb.
When to Harvest Garlic from Containers
Garlic is ready to harvest when the bottom 2-3 leaves turn brown and tops fall over. This occurs in high summer, around June-July.
Gently dig up the bulbs with a fork, keeping cloves intact. Brush off excess dirt but don’t wash. Let cure in a warm, dry spot out of direct sun for 2-4 weeks until skins are papery.
Trim off roots and stems. Store cured bulbs in a cool pantry or cellar. Container garlic will store for 4-8 months.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Here are some potential issues and solutions for container garlic:
Leaves turn yellow or brown – Usually caused by overwatering. Allow soil to partly dry out between waterings.
Small bulbs – Can be from planting too densely, not enough sun, or harvesting too early.
Soft, spongy bulbs – Due to disease, overwatering, or insufficient curing after harvest.
Wilting plants – Check for dry soil. Garlic needs consistent moisture.
Moldy bulbs – Sign of too much moisture at harvest or during curing.
Key Takeaways for Growing Garlic in Containers
Growing garlic in a pot is fun and easy with a little planning. Here are the key tips:
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Pick the right garlic variety and pot for your climate.
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Use well-draining soil. Sand or perlite can help improve drainage.
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Plant individual cloves in fall before ground freezes.
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Place pot in full sun and keep soil consistently moist, not soggy.
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Remove scapes from hardneck garlic to increase bulb size.
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Harvest when lower leaves turn brown and tops fall over.
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Cure bulbs in a warm, dry spot out of direct sun for optimal storage.
With the right care, you can enjoy homegrown garlic from containers for months to come. Happy garlic growing!
Growing garlic: problem solving
Garlic is generally pest free and is only affected by a few problems:
BirdsBirds will pull plants out of the ground when leaves are emerging, especially if the cloves are planted too shallow in the soil. Cover the area with netting or horticultural fleece immediately after planting and don’t remove it until the young plants are well rooted, able to resist pulling.
Onion white rotOnion white rot is hard to detect until it’s too late – the first sign that anything is wrong is usually yellowing, wilting foliage, which tends to occur around harvest time, when you’d expect the leaves to be dying back anyway. When you dig up the plant, you’ll notice a white fluffy fungus on the base of the bulb, along with tiny black growths. In severe cases, the bulb will be black and rotten.
Onion white rot is a soil-borne disease, and the problem can persist for years. Avoid spreading the infection around the garden on boots and tools, as the disease can affect the whole allium family, including onions and leeks. Dig up all of the affected plants and bin or burn them – do not add them to the compost heap. You may be able to salvage some of your crop to eat, but it won’t store well. In future, grow garlic in containers, in fresh soil that does not come from the garden.
Leek rust Garlic can be affected by leek rust, a fungal infection that is more common in wet weather. There is no cure, but fortunately the infection is rarely likely to seriously affect your crop. Orange pustules appear on the leaves in summer, which then begin to die back. The bulbs are perfectly safe to eat but it’s a good idea to remove affected foliage or harvest and eat affected bulbs immediately to prevent the disease spreading. Dispose of the rest of the plant material (bin or burn it – don’t add to the compost heap). In future, choose a variety that has some resistance to rust and plant the cloves with larger spacings to increase airflow and reduce humidity.
Watch Monty Don’s video guide, below, on dealing with rust on garlic: Green Video Post Element Video ID: “2be85af4c03fbf25705d43e8e1c430fcc0b8dabe” Mix ID: “” Player ID: “qAUyOzk5” If the player doesnt appear here within a few seconds, the Player ID or Licence Key (set via IM Green Suite settings) might be invalid.
How to grow garlic in a container
If you have no space, or your plot has been affected by onion white rot in the past, then growing in containers is for you. Use any pot that’s at least 20cm wide and 20cm deep, filled with peat-free, multi-purpose compost. Plant three cloves in a 20cm-wide pot, five or six in a 30cm one.
Feed from April when you see strong spring growth, using a high nitrogen feed such as dried chicken manure pellets. Stop feeding in mid-May.
Watch the video, below, to see Monty plant garlic in a container, with advice on drainage and feeding.
Growing Garlic In Containers – The Definitive Guide
FAQ
Does garlic grow well in pots?
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Size:Opt for a pot that’s at least 12 inches deep to accommodate the roots, which can grow quite long.
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Drainage:Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
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Material:Smart pots or other containers with breathable fabric are a great option, as they allow excess moisture to escape and prevent root rot.
How many garlic cloves can I plant in a 5 gallon bucket?
- Space Requirements: Garlic needs ample space to grow, with a general recommendation of 3-4 inches between cloves.
- Bucket Size: A 5-gallon bucket provides a good depth for garlic roots to grow, which can stretch 8+ inches long.
- Planting Depth: Plant the cloves about 2-3 inches deep, with the pointy end facing upwards.
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, ensuring the soil is rich and fertile.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering.
- Sunlight: Ensure the bucket receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Mulch: Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
What is the mistake when planting garlic?
Biggest Mistake: Planting too early. Why? Garlic establishes it’s root system before sending up a green shoot. Planted too early, the green shoot can rise several inches, acting as a straw over the winter to draw water from the clove, effectively desiccating the clove and potentially killing it.
What should you not plant next to garlic?
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Legumes (peas, beans):These can struggle when planted near garlic, potentially leading to stunted growth.
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Other Alliums (onions, leeks):Planting garlic near other alliums can lead to a build-up of soil-borne pests and encourage onion flies.
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Delicate-tasting crops:Garlic’s strong aroma and flavor can negatively affect the taste of delicate crops.
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Other plants to avoid:Asparagus, chives, parsley, sage, and spring onions can also suffer when planted near garlic.
Should you grow garlic in containers?
You might be wondering why you should grow garlic in containers at all. Maybe you’re like me, and you simply like growing things in containers. You can easily move the pots around, grow garlic at any time of the year, and save space if you have a small home or garden.
Can garlic be grown in pots?
Garlic can be successfully grown in pots. Use a fresh standard growing medium. Typically plant 3 cloves to a 15cm pot, 6 to a 20cm pot and 8 – 10 to a 25cm pot. Be sure to use pots with at least 15cm depth to allow adequate freedom for the roots. Keep well watered and stand outside on a patio or window ledge, in a good sunny position.
How big a pot do you need to grow garlic?
When it comes to the pot needed to grow garlic, the one thing you should remember is that you need a large pot. Using a bigger pot helps to keep the garlic bulbs well-watered. Larger pots hold more soil, which means that there is more moisture to retain. For container gardening garlic aim to get a container that is at least 8-10 inches deep.