If your garden space is limited, this can be a smart solution. 

Grow facts

Aspect	Details
Soil Depth	Choose a pot that is at least 8 to 10 inches deep to accommodate the root system effectively.
Watering Needs	Maintain consistent moisture in the soil, ensuring it is damp but not overly saturated to prevent root rot.
Best Planting Time	For optimal results, plant cloves from late September to December, depending on your local climate conditions. You can grow both in fall and spring. I plant a few weeks befor the first frost and let it sit in the soil all winter witout any care or maintance. It basically growing on autopilot 🙂
Spacing Recommendations	Garlic can be planted relatively close together, allowing for efficient use of space and maximizing yield.

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Equipment

 Here are some important factors to consider:

Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide to provide ample room for root development.

Solid handles are useful when moving the pots. If you have the bags on a patio or indoors it is smart to have a late under to avoid water stains.

Here is some that I would recommend to use for a patio garden:

Gardzen 10-Pack

Made from high-quality non-woven fabric, they’re AZO-free and washable for endless reusability. Their innovative design boosts root health through excellent aeration and drainage, ensuring vigorous plant growth without root swirling.

Right now the price are 19.99 for a 10 pack of 5 gallon bags. Check the latest prices on Amazon here.

Alternatives for a container garden

Fabric

 If you want to give your garlic the best chance to thrive, consider using fabric grow bags. These breathable bags promote excellent drainage and air circulation, significantly reducing the risk of overwatering. The fabric allows the roots to breathe, leading to healthier root development. Plus, by using fabric pots, you’re making an environmentally friendly choice, as many of these bags are made from natural or recycled materials.

Plastic

Plastic pots offer convenience and moisture retention, but they demand attention to drainage. Ensure they have ample holes to prevent overwatering. Opt for those crafted from recycled materials to boost sustainability and make a greener choice.

Recycled

Repurposing items like milk jugs or buckets is a great way to practice sustainability in your gardening. Just remember to add drainage holes for excess water. This not only helps reduce waste but also gives your garlic a cozy home to grow in.

Choose a container deep enough to nurture robust root growth. Prioritize both the environment and your garlic’s needs for a thriving, eco-friendly garden adventure!

The Importance of Sun Light

Once your cloves sprout, they crave the sun’s embrace. Bathe them in bright, direct sunlight for 6 to 8 hours daily. This essential light fuels photosynthesis, empowering your plants to grow robust and vibrant.

A south-facing patio or balcony is the best place to grow. Bathed in sunlight all day, this prime spot ensures your plants thrive with vigor, producing robust growth and larger bulbs.

If it faces north, sunlight might be scarce. Consider moving the pots to a sunnier location or use reflective surfaces to boost light exposure. Watch for leggy or weak plants; they could signal insufficient light.

The Best Soil Mix

For my own gardening, I like to use a combination of compost and topsoil. I compost my food scraps to create rich, organic compost, which I layer at the bottom of my pots. This not only provides essential nutrients but also encourages strong root growth, as the roots naturally grow downward into the nutrient-rich compost.

Did you know that you also can make top quality compost right in you kitchen? Read this article for a smart solution :

Create soil the easy way from food scraps with Lomi

Garlic grows best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

If you don’t have the space or resources to create your own compost, no worries! You can easily order composted soil in bags from your local Amazon.

For a premium handmade compost mix I recommend to use the Soil Sunrise blend with composted mushroom.

Get a bag of Soil Sunrise at Amazon here

The Soil Sunrise All-Purpose Compost Blend is a premium mix designed to improve soil quality and plant health.

The ingredients are mushroom compost, worm castings, coco coir, and rice hulls.

Planting

Once your soil mix is ready, start planting your garlic cloves. Separate each clove from the bulb, and plant them 1 inch( 2-3 cm) deep and 10-15 cm apart in your Root Pouch grow bag or garden container. Make sure to give each clove enough space to grow into a large, healthy head.

Remember to always plant the flat end down and the pointed end up to give the best root development

After planting, water the soil thoroughly. Keep it consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.

Care

• Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to support healthy growth and bulb development.
• Pest Management: Monitor for common pests like aphids and treat them promptly with organic solutions to protect your plants.

Fertilezer

10-10-10 fertilizer is a balanced fertilizer containing equal parts nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Each nutrient plays a crucial role in plant growth: nitrogen promotes leafy growth, phosphorus supports root development and flowering, and potassium enhances overall plant health and resilience.

Check latest prices for the Triple 10 fertilizer on Amazon

Harvesting 

Garlic reaches its prime for harvest when the lower leaves brown, around 8 to 9 months post-planting.

 As the tops yellow and droop, mature bulbs await beneath.

Carefully loosen the soil with a garden fork and gently lift them out, preserving their precious cloves intact.

Storing 

Method	Description
Drying	Hang garlic in a cool, dry place with good air circulation for 2-3 weeks until the skins are papery.
Cool Storage	Store dried garlic in a mesh bag or basket in a cool, dark place to prolong shelf life.
Refrigeration	For peeled or chopped garlic, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Pros and Cons of Growing Garlic in Containers

Pros	Cons
Easy to manage and maintain	Limited space may restrict the number of plants
Control over soil quality	Requires regular monitoring of moisture levels
Ideal for small gardens or patios	Potential for overheating in hot weather
Flexibility in placement	May need to be moved for optimal sunlight

Q&A

Is growing garlic in containers sustainable?

While growing garlic in containers is generally less sustainable than planting it directly in the ground, it can still be a more sustainable option compared to buying garlic from the store. If you don’t have the space for a traditional garden, container gardening allows you to grow your own garlic, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting store-bought garlic. Additionally, managing your own pots gives you control over the growing conditions, enabling you to use organic practices and minimize the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This approach not only supports local food production but also contributes to a more sustainable gardening practice overall.

Is it possible to grow from store-bought bulbs?

Yes, you can grow garlic from store-bought bulbs, but it’s essential to choose organic garlic that hasn’t been treated with chemicals to inhibit sprouting. Look for bulbs that are firm and healthy. Keep in mind that some supermarket garlic may not be well-suited to your local climate, so check for varieties that are known to thrive in your area.

What should I do if my garlic plants are not growing well?

Revitalize your garlic plants by inspecting soil and drainage first. Use a well-draining potting mix, ensuring containers have proper holes. Check your watering habits—garlic thrives on consistent moisture but wilts with excess water. Finally, guarantee they bask in at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth.