Garlic is one of the most commonly used herbs in the world, and it has been grown for thousands of years. In addition to its many culinary uses, garlic is also known for its medicinal properties. However, not everyone has the space to grow garlic in a large garden, but don’t worry – you can easily grow garlic in a pot outside, even if you live in an apartment with no yard! In this blog post, we’ll discuss what zones are appropriate for how to grow garlic in pots outside, and how to do it.
Zone Types for Best Success Growing in a Pot
Garlic is incredibly adaptable, but it thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. In these zones, garlic tends to have a good balance of warm and cold weather, which is crucial for its growth cycle. If you reside outside these zones, don’t be deterred. With careful attention to watering, sunlight, and temperature, you can still achieve a successful harvest. Remember, growing garlic in pots allows for greater control over these variables. Regardless of your location, ensure that your garlic plants receive a good amount of sunlight, ideally 6-8 hours daily. Also, consider the size of the pot which can affect the temperature and moisture level of the soil, essential factors for your garlic plants’ health.
Best Type of Pot for Growing Garlic
When selecting a pot for growing garlic, ensure it’s at least 8-12 inches deep with adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The diameter of the pot should be wide enough to allow for spacing the garlic cloves about 4 inches apart. Clay or terracotta pots are an excellent choice, as they allow the soil to breathe, reducing the chance of root rot. However, these can be heavy and are more prone to breakage. Plastic pots are lighter and less fragile, but they don’t offer the same breathability for the soil. Whichever type you choose, remember that the size and quality of your pot directly influence the health and yield of your garlic plant.
How Many Cloves to Plant per Pot Size
The number of garlic cloves you can plant in a pot largely depends on the size of the pot. For a six-inch diameter pot, one clove is sufficient to give the garlic bulb ample space to grow. For larger pots, you can plant multiple cloves. A general rule of thumb is to maintain a 4-inch spacing between each clove. For instance, in a 12-inch diameter pot, you could plant up to 3 cloves. In an 18-inch pot, you have room for up to 5 cloves. Always remember to place the cloves with their pointy end facing upwards and the flat end facing downwards in the soil. This planting setup will ensure healthy growth and a successful harvest.
Soil Type and Preparation
When it comes to choosing the right soil for growing garlic in pots, a well-draining, fertile soil is crucial. A good choice is a mix of organic compost and perlite, which ensures both nutrition and good drainage. You can also opt for a high-quality potting soil mixed with well-aged compost. Always avoid using soil directly from your garden for your pot, as it may compact too much and hinder the garlic’s growth.
Next up is soil preparation. Start by filling your pot with the chosen soil mixture, leaving about an inch from the top. Make sure the soil is loose and airy, as compact soil can impair root growth. Add in some slow-release organic fertilizer to the mix—this will provide nutrients over time for your garlic. Ensure to mix the fertilizer well with the soil.
Before planting, water the soil thoroughly. It should be moist but not waterlogged. Now, your soil is all set for planting the garlic cloves. A well-prepared soil is critical for the successful growth and yield of your garlic plants.
Caring for your Garlic through the Winter
Winter care for your potted garlic is crucial for a successful harvest. Garlic, being a hardy crop, can withstand cold temperatures, but it still requires some level of protection to thrive. When temperatures start to dip, consider moving your pots to a slightly sheltered location on your balcony or patio to protect them from harsh winds. Be careful not to move them to a completely shaded area since garlic still needs some sun during the winter months.
During this time, it’s essential to avoid overwatering. While your garlic plants need moisture, too much water coupled with cold temperatures can lead to root rot. Water just enough to keep the soil slightly damp. Also, ensure that your pot’s drainage is working effectively to prevent waterlogging.
If you live in a particularly cold climate or if your area is expecting a heavy frost or snow, consider insulating your pots. Wrapping them in burlap or bubble wrap can provide an extra layer of protection against extreme cold. Alternatively, you can also mulch the top of the soil with straw or shredded leaves to provide a natural insulation layer. Remember, while garlic is resilient, it’s worth taking a few extra measures to guide it through the cold winter months. By doing so, you set the stage for a thriving spring and a bountiful garlic harvest.
When and How to Harvest Your Garlic
Harvesting your potted garlic is a crucial part of the growth cycle, and doing it correctly can ensure a bountiful yield. Generally, garlic is ready for harvest in late spring or early summer. One clear sign that the garlic is ready is when about half of the leaves turn yellow and start to fall over. At this point, reduce watering and let the soil dry out.
When you’re ready to harvest, start by loosening the soil around the garlic bulb with a garden fork or a similar tool, taking care not to damage the bulb. Then, pull the bulbs out by grabbing the stem close to the base, and gently shaking off any excess soil. Avoid pulling too hard or you might break the stem from the bulb.
Once harvested, lay your garlic out in a single layer in a well-ventilated, shady spot to cure for two weeks. This process allows the bulbs to dry and extends their storage life. Make sure not to leave them under direct sunlight, as this can damage the bulbs. After the curing period, brush off any remaining soil and trim the roots. You can also trim the stalks to about one inch above the bulb, or braid them together if you’d like to hang your garlic for storage. Store your cured garlic in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. With proper care, it should last several months, providing you with a homegrown supply of garlic for your culinary adventures.
10 Varieties of Garlic That Grow Well in Pots
- Hardneck Garlic (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon): Known for its strong flavor, hardneck garlic is ideal for growing in cooler climates. It produces large cloves that are easy to peel.
- Softneck Garlic (Allium sativum var. sativum): This variety is well-suited for warmer climates. It boast a mild flavor and the advantage of a longer shelf life compared to other types.
- Rocambole Garlic: A type of hardneck garlic, rocambole is noted for its exceptional taste. Its large, easy-to-peel cloves make it a popular choice among home gardeners.
- Porcelain Garlic: This hardneck variety produces a small number of oversized cloves. Noted for its robust and spicy flavor, porcelain garlic is a favorite in many gourmet kitchens.
- Purple Stripe Garlic: As the name suggests, this hardneck variety features a beautiful purple stripe on its skin. It’s favored for its rich, complex flavor.
- Silverskin Garlic: A type of softneck garlic, silverskin has a long shelf life and a mellow flavor that becomes stronger when stored.
- Artichoke Garlic: This softneck variety is high-yielding and easy to grow, making it ideal for beginners. It’s named for its layered clove structure that resembles an artichoke.
- Turban Garlic: This variety matures early and boasts a spicy, full-bodied flavor. Turban garlic does not store as well as other varieties, so it’s best used soon after harvest.
- Asiatic Garlic: Best suited to warmer climates, Asiatic garlic produces sizable bulbs with a strong, hot flavor.
- Creole Garlic: This hardy variety is ideal for growing in warmer areas. Creole garlic has a unique, delicate taste that sets it apart from other varieties.
Happy Gardening!
With a bit of care and the right growing conditions, growing garlic in a pot outside can be a great way to add fresh garlic to your culinary arsenal. Garlic is a hardy plant and can even withstand cold temperatures. Just make sure you choose a pot with good drainage, plant in well-draining soil, water deeply, and pick the right garlic variety. With a little patience and effort, you will be able to harvest your garlic and enjoy it in your meals throughout the year.
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post page for more growing tips on Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, bulbs and how to plant them, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!