I Grew Garlic in a Flower Pot – The Results Were Better Than Store-Bought!

This guide walks you through the entire process of growing garlic in pots—from choosing the right containers to harvesting your own flavorful cloves.

Why Grow Garlic in Flower Pots?

Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow in containers. It requires minimal care, thrives in confined spaces, and offers a long growing season. Plus, growing it in pots allows better control over soil quality, drainage, and sunlight exposure.

Benefits of growing garlic in pots include:

• • Space-efficient and ideal for balconies or small patios

• • Easier to manage pests and diseases

  • Better soil drainage and control

  • Can be moved indoors or out depending on climate

• Offers both garlic bulbs and edible green shoots

Choosing the Right Garlic Type

There are two main types of garlic: softneck and hardneck.

• Softneck Garlic: Common in grocery stores, stores well, and performs better in warmer climates.

• Hardneck Garlic: Has a stronger flavor and grows well in colder regions. Produces edible flower stalks (called scapes).

   

Both types can be grown in pots. Choose healthy garlic bulbs from a nursery or organic grocer—avoid chemically treated garlic, as it may not sprout.

What You’ll Need

Before planting, gather the following materials:

• • A flower pot at least 8–10 inches deep and wide, with drainage holes

  • Garlic cloves (unpeeled, from healthy bulbs)

  • High-quality potting mix with compost or organic matter

• • Trowel or small hand shovel

  • A sunny location with 6–8 hours of daily light

  • Optional: mulch (like straw or dried leaves) and liquid fertilizer

Step-by-Step: Planting Garlic in Flower Pots

1. Prepare the Pot

Choose a flower pot with good drainage. If planting multiple cloves, opt for a wider container. Line the bottom with a few stones or broken pottery shards to improve drainage.

2. Fill with Soil

Use loose, well-draining potting mix. Enrich it with compost to provide nutrients for the long growing season. Avoid dense or heavy garden soil.

3. Separate and Plant the Cloves

• • Gently break apart the garlic bulb into individual cloves.

  • Select the largest cloves for planting and leave the papery skin intact.

• Plant each clove pointy end up, 2 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart.

• Water lightly after planting to settle the soil.

   

4. Find the Right Location

Place the pot in a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Garlic loves full sun and cooler weather in its early stages.

Caring for Garlic in Pots

Garlic grows slowly and requires a few months to fully mature. However, it needs very little maintenance.

• • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch feels dry. Reduce watering as the bulbs begin to mature.

  • Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer or compost tea every 3–4 weeks for healthy growth.

  • Mulching: Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture, insulate the bulbs, and suppress weeds.

If you’re growing garlic over winter, move the pot to a sheltered area or insulate it with straw if frost is expected.

Harvesting Garlic

Garlic takes 7–9 months to mature, depending on the variety and climate. You’ll know it’s ready to harvest when the lower leaves begin to yellow and dry out.

To harvest:

• • Gently loosen the soil and lift the bulbs with a trowel.

  • Avoid pulling the plant by the stem to prevent damage.

  • Brush off excess soil and allow the bulbs to cure in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated area for 2–3 weeks.

After curing, trim the roots and cut back the stalks. Store your garlic in a cool, dry place for future use.

Bonus: Enjoy Garlic Greens

While you wait for the bulbs to mature, you can also harvest garlic greens. These are the tender green shoots that emerge during early growth.

To harvest:

• Snip the greens when they are 6–8 inches tall.

• Only take a few leaves at a time to avoid stunting bulb development.

Garlic greens have a mild garlicky flavor and are great for salads, stir-fries, or as a garnish.

Final Tips

• • Avoid waterlogged soil—garlic hates “wet feet.”

  • Use fresh potting mix each season to prevent disease.

  • Plant in fall or early spring for best results, depending on your climate.

  • Replenish soil nutrients if you’re replanting in the same container.

Conclusion

Growing garlic at home in flower pots is a rewarding and practical project. With minimal tools and space, you can produce fresh, aromatic garlic that’s far tastier than store-bought varieties. Whether you enjoy the bulbs, greens, or both, this container crop adds flavor and satisfaction to any home garden setup.

Start small, be patient, and you’ll be harvesting your own homegrown garlic before you know it.