Growing garlic in a pot is a great way to ensure a steady supply of fresh garlic without needing to buy it anymore. Here’s how you can grow garlic in a pot and keep it growing endlessly:
Steps to Grow Garlic in a Pot:
- Choose the Right Pot:
- Select a deep pot (at least 8-10 inches deep) with good drainage holes at the bottom. Garlic needs space for its roots to spread and thrive.
- Pick Garlic Bulbs:
- Buy organic garlic bulbs from a trusted source (ensure they’re not treated with growth inhibitors). You can also use garlic cloves from your kitchen, but be sure they are fresh and healthy.
- Prepare the Garlic Cloves:
- Break the garlic bulb into individual cloves, but don’t peel them. You’ll plant the cloves with the papery skin still on, as it helps protect them while they grow.
- Plant the Garlic Cloves:
- Fill the pot with good-quality, well-draining soil. Plant the garlic cloves with the pointed end facing up, about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Cover the cloves with soil.
- Fill the pot with good-quality, well-draining soil. Plant the garlic cloves with the pointed end facing up, about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Cover the cloves with soil.
- Watering:
- Water the pot well after planting, but be sure the soil doesn’t stay soggy. Garlic likes moisture but needs good drainage. Continue to water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Sunlight:
- Garlic requires plenty of sunlight. Place your pot in a spot where it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, such as a balcony, patio, or windowsill.
- Fertilization (Optional):
- Garlic doesn’t need heavy feeding, but you can add organic compost or a balanced fertilizer in the early stages of growth to boost production.
- Garlic doesn’t need heavy feeding, but you can add organic compost or a balanced fertilizer in the early stages of growth to boost production.
- Harvesting Green Garlic (Scapes):
- As garlic grows, it will produce green shoots known as “garlic scapes.” These are edible and flavorful, so you can harvest them for use in cooking. Don’t pull up the garlic bulb until it’s fully mature, but feel free to cut back the leaves and scapes as the plant grows.
- Harvesting Garlic Bulbs:
- Garlic is typically ready for harvest when the leaves begin to yellow and dry out, usually 8-10 months after planting. Carefully dig up the bulbs and allow them to cure by hanging them in a dry, cool place for a few weeks.
Endless Garlic Growth:
- Replanting Cloves: Once you’ve harvested the garlic bulbs, save the largest, healthiest cloves to replant in the next season. This allows you to keep a continuous supply of garlic.
- Growing from Bulbs: If you leave a few cloves in the pot after harvest, they may regrow new shoots, so you can enjoy fresh garlic greens even after harvesting the bulbs.
- Using Garlic Scapes: By regularly harvesting the scapes, you can encourage the garlic plant to continue producing new growth, which helps in sustaining your supply.
Tips for Success:
- Rotate the Pot: If possible, rotate your pot every few weeks to ensure even sunlight exposure on all sides of the plant.
- Prevent Overcrowding: Avoid overcrowding the cloves; giving them enough space will allow each bulb to develop fully.
- Replenish Soil Annually: Every year, refresh the soil in the pot by adding new compost or soil to keep nutrients available for your garlic.
Garlic is quite resilient and grows well in pots, making it an excellent option for growing your own supply. Would you like to explore more about how to care for garlic or other herbs in pots