What To Know
- Garlic can be planted in the fall (for a spring harvest) or in the spring (for a fall harvest).
- Once your garlic plants are in the ground, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure their success.
- You can store it in a mesh bag, a paper bag, or a braided rope.
Growing your own garlic is a rewarding experience, offering fresh, flavorful bulbs for your kitchen and a satisfying sense of accomplishment. But what if you don’t have a garden? Don’t worry! You can successfully grow garlic from cloves in containers, even if you only have a sunny balcony or patio. This guide will walk you through the process, from choosing the right cloves to harvesting your own delicious garlic.
Choosing the Right Cloves
The first step to successful garlic cultivation is selecting the right cloves. Choose large, firm cloves from a healthy bulb. Avoid any cloves that are soft, shriveled, or have signs of disease. There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck.
- Hardneck garlic produces a hard, central stalk called a scape, which can be harvested and eaten. Hardneck varieties are generally more flavorful and have a longer storage life. Popular hardneck varieties include:
- Purple Stripe: Known for its strong flavor and purple stripes on the cloves.
- Music: A popular variety with a mild flavor and good storage life.
- German Red: A classic hardneck variety with a strong, pungent flavor.
- Softneck garlic does not produce a scape and has a longer storage life than hardneck varieties. They are typically milder in flavor. Popular softneck varieties include:
- Early Italian: A mild-flavored garlic that matures early.
- Inchelium Red: A popular variety with a slightly stronger flavor than Early Italian.
- California White: A mild-flavored garlic with a white bulb.
Selecting the Right Container
When choosing a container for your garlic cloves, consider the following factors:
- Size: Garlic plants need ample space for their roots to spread. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep.
- Drainage: Garlic plants don’t like to sit in waterlogged soil. Make sure your container has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
- Material: Any material will work, but terracotta pots can help regulate soil moisture. Plastic pots are less expensive and more lightweight.
Preparing the Soil
Garlic prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a pre-mixed potting soil or create your own blend by combining:
- Compost: Provides nutrients and improves soil structure.
- Vermicast: A rich source of nutrients and beneficial microbes.
- Perlite or pumice: Improves drainage and aeration.
Planting Garlic Cloves in Containers
Now that you have your cloves, container, and soil ready, it’s time to plant!
1. Planting Time: Garlic can be planted in the fall (for a spring harvest) or in the spring (for a fall harvest). The best time to plant garlic varies depending on your climate, but generally, fall planting is recommended in most areas.
2. Planting Depth: Plant each clove 2-3 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up.
3. Spacing: Space the cloves 4-6 inches apart in the container.
4. Watering: Water the soil thoroughly after planting.
Caring for Your Garlic Plants
Once your garlic plants are in the ground, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure their success:
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilizing: Garlic is a heavy feeder. Fertilize your plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation.
- Weeding: Remove any weeds that compete with your garlic plants for nutrients and water.
- Mulching: A layer of mulch, such as straw or wood chips, will help to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Harvesting Garlic
Garlic is typically ready to harvest after 8-10 months from planting. The bulbs will be mature when the leaves start to brown and fall over. Here’s how to harvest your garlic:
1. Digging: Use a garden fork or trowel to carefully dig up the bulbs.
2. Cleaning: Brush away any excess soil.
3. Drying: Hang the garlic bulbs in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks to cure. This will help to improve their storage life.
Storing Garlic
Once your garlic is cured, it’s ready to be stored. Store garlic in a cool, dark, and dry place. You can store it in a mesh bag, a paper bag, or a braided rope. Garlic should last for several months when stored properly.
The Joy of Harvesting Your Own Garlic
The satisfaction of harvesting your own garlic is truly rewarding. Imagine the joy of enjoying fresh, flavorful garlic that you grew yourself, not to mention the health benefits of a garlic-rich diet. From the moment you plant your cloves to the day you harvest your bulbs, growing garlic in containers is a fulfilling experience.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I grow garlic from a supermarket bulb?
A: Yes, you can grow garlic from a supermarket bulb, but it’s important to choose a bulb that hasn’t been treated with growth inhibitors. Look for bulbs that are free of any signs of sprouting.
Q: How much sunlight does garlic need?
A: Garlic needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. A sunny balcony or patio is ideal for container-grown garlic.
Q: What are the signs of garlic disease?
A: Signs of garlic disease include yellowing leaves, brown spots on the leaves, and wilting. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to remove the affected plants to prevent the disease from spreading.
Q: Can I grow garlic in a smaller container?
A: You can grow garlic in a smaller container, but it will produce smaller bulbs. A container that is at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep is ideal for optimal growth.
Q: What should I do with the garlic scapes?
A: Hardneck garlic produces scapes, which are edible and can be used in stir-fries, soups, or salads. They have a mild, garlicky flavor.
