Growing garlic in raised beds and containers

Fall is the time of year when many gardeners begin to plant garlic. Garlic is such a versatile crop for use in many dishes. It is also one of the first crops to appear in Spring when the weather warms up. 

Are you limited on space and wondering how you can grow garlic? Did you know that garlic can be successfully grown in raised beds and containers? That’s right, gardening friends. With a little elbow grease, you too can grow and harvest garlic even in small spaces. 

In today’s guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to get started growing garlic in raised beds and containers. We will teach you how to select the best varieties; how to prepare your soil; and how to plant your garlic. 

We will also teach you some winter care tips for growing garlic in raised beds and containers. These tips are designed to maximize your harvest even in small spaces. So, if you’re ready to grow garlic, you’ve come to the right place. Pull up a chair, and let’s get started.

Why grow garlic?

Added health benefits: Garlic has many benefits for your health and garden. It can help to boost your immune health and has anti-inflammatory properties. 

Versatility in the kitchen: Garlic is also very versatile in the kitchen. It can be used in a lot of different dishes and helps to elevate the flavour. 

Easy to grow: Garlic is relatively low maintenance and easy to grow. It makes the perfect crop for novice gardeners. It can also thrive in a variety of different soil types. 

Storage life: Garlic also stores well so you can reap the benefits long after it has been harvested. 

Flavour and freshness: Nothing beats home grown garlic when it comes to flavour and freshness. 
Minimal space: Garlic can be successfully grown in small spaces. It grows well in containers and raised beds. This makes it a great crop for gardeners who are short on space.

Choosing the right varieties

When it comes to garlic, there are two main varieties each with a large selection of cultivars. The two main categories are hardneck and softneck garlic. What separates the two are the level of hardiness. Also, the formation of cloves and whether or not they produce flower stalks called scapes. For more on the differences between hardneck and softneck garlic, be sure to check out our blog post on how to choose the right variety for your garden and growing zone. 

Here at Bluenose Blooms, we are growing in a northern zone. Varieties that have worked best for us are Music and Spanish Roja. Both are able to withstand our cold winters here in Nova Scotia. They are also bold in flavour which we love for cooking our favourite dishes. 

Preparing raised beds and containers to grow garlic

Choosing the right location: Garlic loves to grow in a sunny spot in the garden. Choose a location in your yard that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. 

Selecting a raised bed: Raised beds can be constructed yourself or purchased already made. They can be made out of metal, untreated wood, or bricks. Aim to grow your garlic in a raised bed that is at least 12-18 inches deep and about 4 feet wide for easy access. 

Selecting a container: Be sure to choose a container that is large enough to grow garlic in. If growing in a plastic container like a large pot, it should be at least 10-12 deep and wide. You can also use fabric grow bags. Make sure that your bags are at least 10-12 inches deep. Wooden or cedar boxes that are untreated will work well too. Aim for 10-12 inches deep. If you are really limited on space, window boxes or railing planters can be used. Just make sure that they are at least 8-10 inches deep for proper root growth. No matter which container you choose to grow your garlic in, make sure that it has good drainage.

Drainage: Make sure you have proper drainage. Garlic can be prone to the growth of mold and fungal disease if left to grow in an area that is waterlogged. Make sure that water can flow freely away from the garlic and not become stagnant. 

Preparing the soil

Prepare the soil: If you are reusing a raised bed from a previous year, clear out any weeds or old plant debris before planting your garlic. If you are starting from scratch or looking to amend an existing bed, know that garlic loves to grow in loose, well draining soil that is rich in nutrients. Aim for a blend of 50% soil, 30% compost, and 20% manure. This ratio has been shown to help support garlic by adding in vital nutrients. Look for high quality garden soil, compost, and well-aged manure to make your own blend. The goal is to have a good balance of nutrients and soil structure. 

Level the soil: Once you have created your blend, add it into your raised bed. Next, level off the soil using a rake. Leveling it off will help with drainage. 

Add in fertilizer and extra nutrients: Before you plant, amend the soil with some organic fertilizer or a garlic specific fertilizer. Adding this in will help to ensure your garlic has the right blend of nutrients to sustain its growth. 

Planting garlic in raised beds and containers

Planting the garlic: Aim to plant in fall before the hard frost of the season or in early spring. Your planting season will largely depend on your growing zone and conditions. Check your frost dates and be prepared to adapt to changing weather conditions. Plant your cloves 2-4 inches deep. If you are in a more northern zone, aim to plant them a little deeper to protect from freezing temperatures and winter-like conditions. Plant them about 4-6 inches apart so that the garlic has room to grow. Always plant with the pointy side up of the cloves. 

Winter prep and care tips for growing garlic in raised beds and containers

Initial watering: Be sure to water in your garlic after planting. This will help the cloves settle into the soil. 

Mulching: Apply a layer of wood chips or straw as mulch. This will help to cut down on weeds, lock in moisture, and regulate temperatures over the winter. 

Caring for your garlic once planted: Consistently monitor your garlic for its water needs. Water during dry spells. Garlic should be consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Be sure to remove any weeds as they appear. You don’t want the garlic competing with weeds for nutrients. When the garlic starts to wake up in the Spring, be sure to apply some fertilizer again to support growth. 

Harvesting and curing: Your garlic will be ready to harvest in late spring to summer when the lower leaves have started to turn brown. For storage, you will need to cure your garlic first. For more information on harvesting and curing garlic, be sure to check out our blog post and how and when to harvest garlic in 5 easy steps. 

Frequently asked questions about growing garlic in raised beds and containers

What type of garlic grows best in raised beds and containers?

Both softneck and hardneck varieties will grow well in containers and raised beds. Be sure to source your seed garlic from a reputable seller. Also, make sure that the garlic you want to plant is suited for your growing conditions and zone. 

Can you plant garlic in any type of container or raised bed?

There are a large variety of options when it comes to planting garlic in raised beds or containers. Most options are suitable, but if you live in a northern growing zone, be careful with clay, ceramic pots, or older plastic pots. Swings between freeze and thaw may crack your containers. Make sure that they have proper drainage. 

How may cloves of garlic can you plant in a container?

In a standard size container of about 12 inches in diameter, you can plant 4-6 cloves of garlic. Space 4-6 inches apart for best results. Make sure to give them room to set roots and develop. 

When is the best time to plant garlic in a raised bed or container?

Aim to plant your garlic in the fall about 4-6 weeks before your first frost or in early spring. For best results, plant in the fall as this often leads to larger bulbs. 

How often should I water garlic that is planted in raised beds and containers?

The top soil line will tell you when it’s time to water. If the top of the soil looks dry, go ahead and give it a sprinkling of water. You want the soil to be moist, but not waterlogged. 

Can you grow garlic indoors over winter?

You can grow garlic indoors, but it is best suited for outdoor conditions where it can receive ample sunlight. If you decide to try growing it indoors, make sure that it has a lot of light to grow like in a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. 

Will garlic freeze over winter if planted outside in raised beds and containers?

If you live in a zone where there are very cold or freezing temperatures, you can take some measures to help protect your garlic. Mulching your garlic after planting is an excellent first step. You can also wrap your containers in burlap around the container for extra added protection. Avoid storing your containers of planted garlic on hard concrete. Doing so may freeze the roots. Elevating it can help this issue. During periods of extreme cold, try moving your containers to a more sheltered spot like an unheated greenhouse or garage. Make sure that they still receive ample light though to support root development and growth. 

Final thoughts on growing garlic in raised beds and containers

Growing garlic in raised beds and containers can be a rewarding experience for gardeners who have limited space to grow. There are a variety of options available to grow in. With a little extra effort, you can be well on your way to having a bountiful harvest even while growing in small spaces. 

Are you growing garlic this year in a raised bed or container? We’d love to hear all about your journey. For more helpful growing tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.