Step-by-Step: How to Grow Fresh Garlic in Containers Anytime, Anywhere

Whether you have limited garden space or simply want to grow your own garlic in a controlled environment, container gardening offers convenience, pest control, and excellent results.

Best of all, garlic is easy to grow from a single bulb when you know the right techniques.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to grow garlic from a garlic bulb in a container—from choosing the right type of garlic to harvesting and storing your homegrown cloves.

We’ll cover container selection, soil preparation, planting depth, watering, and common mistakes to avoid.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned gardener, this article will help you grow garlic successfully in pots.

Why Grow Garlic in Containers?

Growing garlic in containers offers several advantages:

• Ideal for Small Spaces: Great for balconies, patios, decks, or even sunny windowsills.

• Soil Control: Prevents issues with poor or contaminated soil and allows better drainage.

• Pest Management: Reduces risks from underground pests like nematodes or onion maggots.

• Easy to Move: You can position containers for maximum sun or protect them from frost.

What You Need to Get Started

Before you plant, gather the following supplies:

• Organic garlic bulb (preferably from a garden center or seed supplier, not grocery store)

• Large container with drainage holes (at least 12 inches deep)

• Well-draining soil or potting mix

• Compost or organic fertilizer

• Watering can or spray bottle

• Mulch (optional, for moisture retention)

Step 1: Choose the Right Garlic Bulb

Not all garlic is the same. There are two main types:

• Hardneck garlic: Grows best in colder climates. Produces fewer, larger cloves and a flowering stalk called a scape. More flavorful and robust.

• Softneck garlic: Best for warmer climates. Produces more, smaller cloves. Stores longer and doesn’t grow scapes.

For container growing, softneck garlic is often preferred due to its adaptability, but hardneck garlic also performs well in pots with proper care.

Tip: Avoid using store-bought garlic from the grocery store, as it may be treated with growth inhibitors. Instead, buy certified disease-free garlic bulbs from a nursery or online seed supplier.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Cloves

1. Break apart the bulb into individual cloves without damaging them.

2. Choose the largest and healthiest cloves—these will produce the strongest plants.

3. Leave the papery skin on each clove.

Avoid using tiny inner cloves, as they often produce weak plants with small bulbs.

Step 3: Select the Right Container

Garlic needs space for deep roots and good drainage. Use:

• Minimum 12 inches deep and wide container per 4–6 cloves.

• Plastic, clay, or fabric pots with drainage holes.

• Rectangular window boxes work well for rows.

If planting many cloves, use multiple containers or a larger grow bag. Deeper pots help insulate against temperature swings.

Step 4: Prepare the Soil

Garlic loves loose, fertile, and well-drained soil. Prepare your potting mix by combining:

• 2 parts high-quality potting mix

• 1 part perlite or coarse sand (for drainage)

• 1 part aged compost or worm castings

Mix well. Avoid heavy or clay soils, which retain water and cause rot. You can also add a balanced organic fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar) before planting.

Step 5: Plant the Garlic Cloves

1. Plant cloves pointy side up and flat root end down.

2. Bury each clove 2 inches deep and space them 4–6 inches apart.

3. Lightly firm the soil over each clove and water gently.

In warmer regions, plant garlic in fall (October–November). In cooler climates, plant before the first hard frost or in early spring if fall planting isn’t possible.

Step 6: Watering and Maintenance

Garlic needs consistent but not excessive moisture. Follow these tips:

• Water deeply once or twice a week.

• Let the top inch of soil dry out between watering.

• Avoid soggy soil—overwatering causes bulb rot.

• Reduce watering slightly in the last month before harvest to help bulbs mature.

For best growth, place the container in a sunny spot with at least 6–8 hours of sunlight per day. Garlic is a full-sun plant and won’t thrive in shade.

Step 7: Fertilize for Healthy Growth

Feed your garlic every 3–4 weeks with an organic, nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like fish emulsion or compost tea) during the growing phase.

Once garlic starts bulbing in late spring, switch to a balanced or phosphorus-heavy fertilizer to encourage bulb development.

Stop fertilizing about a month before harvest to let the plant focus on maturing the bulbs.

Step 8: Mulch (Optional but Recommended)

Add a layer of organic mulch such as straw, shredded leaves, or pine needles:

• Retains moisture

• Prevents weeds

• Insulates bulbs during winter

• Adds nutrients as it decomposes

Keep mulch a few inches away from the garlic stalks to avoid rot.

Step 9: Watch for Pests and Problems

Growing garlic in containers reduces many pest issues, but watch out for:

• Aphids – Remove with a spray of water or insecticidal soap.

• Fungal rot – Avoid overwatering and use well-drained soil.

• Yellowing leaves – May indicate overwatering, lack of nutrients, or disease.

Good air circulation, proper spacing, and full sun reduce most disease risks.

Step 10: When and How to Harvest Garlic

Garlic is ready to harvest about 8–9 months after planting. Here’s how to know when it’s time:

• Lower leaves start turning yellow and dry out, while upper leaves remain green.

• Typically occurs in mid to late summer if planted in fall.

To harvest:

1. Gently loosen the soil and pull up the entire plant by the base.

2. Brush off loose soil (don’t wash).

3. Allow garlic to cure in a dry, shaded, and well-ventilated place for 2–3 weeks.

Once cured, trim the roots and stalks. Store garlic in a cool, dry place with good airflow. Properly cured garlic can last for 6–9 months, especially softneck varieties.

Bonus: Grow Garlic Greens or Scapes

• Garlic Greens: If you don’t want to wait for bulbs, you can harvest the leafy greens earlier (like chives). They taste like mild garlic and regrow after cutting.

• Garlic Scapes: Hardneck garlic produces curly flower stalks (scapes) in late spring. These can be harvested and used in stir-fries, pesto, or salads.

Removing scapes also helps the plant focus energy on bulb development.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Planting grocery store garlic: Often treated with chemicals that prevent sprouting.

• Overcrowding: Leads to smaller bulbs and increased disease risk.

• Shallow planting: Cloves too close to the surface may dry out or grow poorly.

• Overwatering: The #1 killer of container-grown garlic.

• Not enough sunlight: Garlic needs full sun for healthy bulb development.

Growing garlic from a bulb in containers is simple, satisfying, and perfect for gardeners of all levels.

With the right setup, soil, and care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown garlic even if you don’t have a traditional garden space.

From planting a single clove to harvesting a full head, container-grown garlic proves that big flavors can come from small spaces.

Just follow the steps above, and in a few months, you’ll be slicing, roasting, or sautéing your own garlic—straight from the pot to the plate.