Easy way to grow garlic in pots and containers

Today, we will talk about the easy way to grow garlic in pots and containers, and that too without any special effort or a big garden. This is an art that combines hobby, health, and self-reliance – all three together.

Why grow garlic at home?

Garlic is not just a flavourful spice, but it is also known as a natural antibiotic, blood pressure controller, and immunity booster. Garlic available in the market is mostly treated with chemicals. But when you grow it at home, not only is its quality better, but it is also 100% organic.

Can garlic be grown in a container or pot?

Absolutely! Garlic is one of those vegetables that can be grown in less space and with less care. Its roots do not go very deep, so it grows easily in pots and containers.

What things will be needed?

There aren't many things needed to grow garlic. Here's a basic list:

• Deep pot or container (at least 8-10 inches deep).

• Well-draining soil (loamy soil + compost).

• fresh garlic cloves.

• Organic Manure (cow dung manure, vermicompost, etc).

• Sunny place.

The Easy Way to Grow Garlic in Pots and Containers: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select the right container

Choose a pot that is at least 8-10 inches deep and has holes in the bottom for drainage. Terracotta or plastic containers both work, but terracotta keeps the soil cooler in the summer.

2. Prepare fertile soil

Garlic prefers loose, friable, and organically rich soil. You can prepare a mixture of 50% garden soil, 30% farmyard manure, and 20% sand/cocopeat. → According to the ICAR – Indian Council of Agricultural Research, slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.0–7.5) is best suited for garlic.

3. Choose the right garlic

Buy organic garlic from the market and divide it into cloves. The upper part of each clove is slightly pointed, and the lower part is flat; that part will go down.

Tip: Avoid choosing 'hybrid garlic' from China or other countries, as it often does not germinate.

4. Correct method of transplantation

• Push each bud 2 inches deep into the soil.

• Keep a distance of at least 4 inches between two buds.

• The pointed part of the bud should remain facing upward.

5. Watering

• Do the first irrigation well after transplanting so that the soil gets set.

• Thereafter, watering twice a week is sufficient, unless the soil is very dry.

6. Sunlight and temperature

Garlic needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. So keep the pot in a place where there is good light.

→ According to the National Horticulture Board, 15–25°C is the best temperature for garlic.

How to care for garlic?

1. Weeding

Do light weeding every 10-12 days so that weeds do not grow.

2. Fertilizing

• Add cow dung manure or vermicompost once every month.

• If you wish, you can also sprinkle buttermilk or jaggery water, which increases organic nutrition.

3. Pest control

Use homemade neem oil spray. This is an organic remedy that protects garlic from pests.

Read this Detailed guide: Homemade natural pest control

When and how to harvest garlic?

1. Harvesting Time

It usually takes 6-7 months for the garlic crop to be ready. The best time to harvest garlic is when the leaves turn dry and yellow.

2. Excavation

• Gently turn the pot over or remove the tuber by removing the soil with your hand.

• Once harvested, dry the garlic in the shade for 5-7 days.

When is the best season?

October and December are the best months to cultivate garlic. Cold weather is favorable for its growth.

Benefits of Garlic in Container Gardening

• More production in less space.

• Fresh, organic ingredients are available in home kitchens.

• Affordable and sustainable process.

• Useful as an educational activity with kids.

Personal experience: When I grew garlic on the balcony

A few years ago, I took an old plastic box, made drainage holes in it, and planted a few garlic cloves in soil mixed with organic fertilizer. There was no movement for the first two weeks, but within a month, tiny green leaves started appearing. 

When I dug out after 6 months, I found 8-10 fresh garlic bulbs, without any pesticides. Since then, every year I grow garlic myself, and believe me, it tastes much better than the garlic sold in the market.

Conclusion: Grow health and taste at home

You can start this process by learning the easy way to grow garlic in pots and containers. It is not only a healthy option, but it can also become a symbol of your hobby and self-reliance. So, try growing garlic this season – believe me, when you peel your own garlic clove for the first time, you will not get that satisfaction anywhere else.