Can I grow garlic in pots?

QUESTION: Is it possible to grow garlic in a pot? What type of container can I use and does it have to be a large one? I’m limited on space. -Beth C

ANSWER: You can grow garlic in pots with success as long as you follow a couple of simple guidelines. Your container must have drainage holes and needs to be at least six inches deep for one clove. To plant multiple cloves in the same container, you need one big enough to leave six inches of room in between the cloves. You’ll also need a nutritious potting soil meant for vegetables or a mixture containing potting soil, peat, compost, and perlite or vermiculite. (If you decide to mix up potting soil for your garden instead of purchasing a commercial blend, you’ll find our article “Make Your Own Potting Soil and Growing Mix” helpful.)

Fill the container about halfway with your potting medium, mixing in a slow release granular fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 blend. Then add your garlic cloves with the pointed end up. Leave the papery husk on the cloves. Fill the container with soil to the top, then press it with your hands to firm it up, and water the soil so that it’s moistened throughout. A thin layer of mulch on the top is optional but helpful.

Find a location for your garlic where it will get full sun: six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Water deeply once per week if you haven’t had any rain that week. Keep soil moderately moist on a consistent basis; don’t allow it to dry out completely. The mulch will help the soil retain moisture, especially when the weather is hot and dry. Plant garlic in fall for a June harvest.