Growing Garlic In Pots UK - Garden and Allotment Tips and Advice

Growing Garlic in Pots in the UK: A Complete Guide for Success

Garlic is a versatile and flavorful vegetable that adds a unique touch to many dishes. Growing garlic in pots is an excellent solution for those who don’t have a garden or have limited space. In the UK, garlic is easy to grow in pots, and it can thrive even in small areas such as balconies, patios, or windowsills. This guide will walk you through the process of growing garlic in pots, from choosing the right pots to harvesting and storing your garlic crop.

What Is Garlic?

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a bulbous plant from the Allium family, which includes onions, leeks, and shallots. Known for its strong, distinctive flavor, garlic is used in a wide range of culinary dishes and has numerous health benefits. It can be grown in the ground or in containers, making it an ideal choice for container gardening in the UK.

Garlic is typically grown from cloves, which are individual sections of the bulb. Each clove grows into a new bulb of garlic, making it easy to propagate. It is generally planted in the autumn or early spring and harvested in the summer or early autumn.

Benefits of Growing Garlic in Pots

Growing garlic in pots in the UK has several advantages, especially for gardeners with limited space. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Space-Efficient

Garlic can be grown in relatively small pots, making it perfect for gardens, balconies, or patios. Pots allow you to utilize small spaces effectively.

2. Easy to Manage

Growing garlic in pots gives you more control over the growing conditions, such as soil quality, drainage, and moisture levels. Containers also offer better protection from weeds and pests.

3. Ideal for Beginners

Garlic is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent option for beginner gardeners. Growing it in pots simplifies the process even further.

4. No Need for a Garden

Pots can be placed anywhere that gets enough sunlight, allowing you to grow garlic even if you don’t have a traditional garden.

5. Health Benefits

Garlic is packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, and selenium. It also has known medicinal properties, such as its ability to support the immune system and reduce inflammation.

When to Plant Garlic in Pots in the UK

The best time to plant garlic in pots in the UK depends on whether you’re planting hardneck or softneck garlic. Here’s a breakdown of the planting times:

1. Autumn Planting

Best Time: October to November
Planting garlic in autumn gives it the time to establish roots before the winter frost sets in. Hardneck garlic varieties are best suited for autumn planting, as they tolerate colder conditions better and tend to develop a stronger flavor.

2. Spring Planting

Best Time: February to March
Softneck garlic varieties are more suitable for spring planting, as they thrive in milder temperatures. Garlic planted in spring will generally be ready for harvest in late summer, but it may produce smaller bulbs compared to autumn-planted garlic.

How to Grow Garlic in Pots in the UK

Growing garlic in pots is simple and requires minimal effort. Follow these steps to ensure a successful crop:

1. Choose the Right Pot

Garlic needs a pot with plenty of depth and good drainage. Choose a container that is at least 30 cm (12 inches) deep to allow the roots to grow. The pot should also be wide enough to accommodate 3-4 garlic cloves, with about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) of space between each clove.

Container Material: Choose a pot made of durable material, such as terracotta, plastic, or wood. Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
Drainage: Ensure that the pot has sufficient drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, as garlic does not like to sit in waterlogged soil.

2. Prepare the Soil

Garlic prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Here’s how to prepare the soil for your garlic pot:

Soil Type: Use a loose, loamy soil or a good-quality compost mixed with well-rotted manure. This will provide the necessary nutrients and ensure good drainage.
pH Level: Garlic thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH level of 6.0-7.0. You can test your soil’s pH with a soil testing kit and amend it if necessary.

3. Plant the Garlic Cloves

Separate the Cloves: Break apart the garlic bulb into individual cloves. Be careful not to peel them, as the papery skin protects the clove and helps it grow.
Planting Depth: Plant each garlic clove about 5 cm (2 inches) deep, with the pointed end facing up and the flat end facing down.
Spacing: Space each clove 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) apart to allow the bulbs room to grow. Leave about 30 cm (12 inches) between rows if you’re planting multiple pots.

4. Watering and Mulching

After planting, water the garlic thoroughly. Garlic prefers moist soil, but it doesn’t like to be waterlogged, so make sure the pot has good drainage.

Watering: Water the pot regularly, especially during dry spells. Reduce watering as the garlic begins to mature, but make sure the soil doesn’t dry out completely.
Mulching: Add a layer of mulch, such as straw or compost, to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

5. Sunlight and Temperature

Garlic needs plenty of sunlight to grow well. Place the pot in a sunny spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Garlic prefers cooler temperatures and will grow best in the UK’s temperate climate.

Ideal Temperature: Garlic thrives in temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Make sure the pot is placed in an area where it gets enough light and stays cool, especially during the winter months.

Caring for Garlic in Pots

Once planted, garlic requires minimal care but will benefit from regular attention to keep it healthy and productive:

1. Watering

Water the garlic consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, garlic needs regular watering, but in the weeks before harvest, reduce watering to help the bulbs mature.

2. Feeding

Garlic is not a heavy feeder, but you can fertilize it in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer or well-rotted compost to promote strong growth.

3. Weeding

Keep the pot free of weeds, especially in the early stages of growth when garlic is young and more vulnerable to competition for nutrients and water.

4. Pest Control

Garlic is relatively resistant to pests, but it can occasionally suffer from aphids or fungal diseases. If pests become an issue, consider using organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Harvesting Garlic from Pots

Garlic grown in pots is typically ready to harvest in late summer or early autumn, around June to August, depending on when you planted it. Here’s how to know when to harvest:

1. Signs of Ripeness

Garlic is ready to harvest when the lower leaves start to yellow and die off. The bulbs should feel firm when gently squeezed, and the tops should begin to fall over.
Don’t leave garlic in the pot too long after it’s mature, as over-maturing can cause the bulbs to split.

2. How to Harvest

Carefully dig up the garlic bulbs using a spade or garden fork, being careful not to damage the bulbs. Avoid pulling them out by the leaves, as this can cause breakage.
Gently shake off excess soil and lay the garlic out to dry.

3. Curing Garlic

After harvesting, garlic needs to be cured to ensure it stores well. Hang the garlic in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space for 2-3 weeks to allow it to dry out.
Once cured, trim the roots and stems and store the garlic in a cool, dark, and dry place.

How to Store Garlic

Proper storage ensures that your garlic remains usable for months:

Cool, Dry Storage: Store garlic in a cool, dry place with temperatures between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause garlic to sprout.
Braiding: Softneck garlic can be braided together for storage, while hardneck garlic is usually stored in mesh bags or boxes.
Shelf Life: When stored properly, garlic can last for up to 6 months.