Tips For Growing Garlic In Containers

Growing garlic in containers is one great option for growing garlic at home. It can provides strongest flavor bulbs. Growing garlic in containers near the kitchen allows the family member to get the freshest garlic possible and also is a space-saving trick. But in order to have fresh bulbs, you need some planning and choosing the right type of pots for growing garlic in containers. Garlic can be planted in fall to make them ready for harvest by June.

Tips on Growing Garlic in Containers

Here are some tips on growing garlic in containers so you can harvest fresh bulbs for your need:

Containers for Growing Garlic

When choosing the container for growing garlic, you need right container that provides room for the roots growth and has good drainage. Here are some things to consider when choosing a container for growing garlic:

• Choose a container with at least 6 inches deep.
• Choose a container with some holes in the bottom for drainage. 
• Choose a container that has big enough so it can allows at least 6 6 inches of space between cloves.
• Type of container related to evaporation rate and heat conductivity. For example, you will need to water terra cotta pots more often than glazed pots since they evaporate more quickly. You can even use a 5-gallon bucket if you don’t care about appearance, off course you need to make some holes in the bottom.

Potting Soil Mixture for Growing Garlic in Containers

The proper potting soil is important for garlic planting in pots. The good potting soil for growing garlic in containers should have plenty of organic nutrients available for the bulbs, should not retain too much moisture, nor be too dry. You may use a good mix of peat, vermiculite or perlite, compost or potting mix, and a little bit of builder’s sand. This proper potting soil will give you nutrients, moisture retention and the drainage necessary for growing garlic in containers.

Companion planting garlic with some early harvest cool vegetables in one container can provide some benefits. For example, lettuces planted over un-sprouted cloves will keep the soil broken up with their roots and minimize weeds.

How to Grow Garlic in a Container

• Fill the proper container with halfway full of the proper potting soil. 
• You may add the fertilizer or a slow release granular balanced plant food, and mix into the soil. Keep in mind to always follow instruction label of fertilizer.
• Insert the bulbs into potting soil in container with the pointed side up and then back fill with more potting soil, pressing around each clove. 
• Check the moisture of potting soil. If you feel it is too dry just water the potting soil until it is evenly damp. 
• Plant a short-term crop on top such as lettuce or simply just cover the container with organic mulch.
• If everything goes right, the shoots will come up in spring and eventually turn into scape. 
• Harvest these garlic. You may use garlic for stir fry or just to eat raw. Your garlic is ready to dig up and cure by late of June. 

Growing garlic in containers is so easy and very rewarding. You may try it as an annual part of your fall planting for delicious garlic.

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