Garlic is one of the most essential and flavorful ingredients in any kitchen. Known for its strong aroma and countless health benefits, garlic is not only easy to grow but also surprisingly well-suited for container gardening. Even if you don’t have a backyard or a large garden, you can grow garlic successfully in buckets and enjoy a fresh, year-round supply right from your patio or balcony.

Here’s a complete guide to growing garlic in buckets for year-round use.

Why Grow Garlic in Buckets?

There are several reasons why growing garlic in buckets is a great idea:

  • Space-Saving: Buckets take up little space and are ideal for urban gardening or small areas.

  • Mobility: You can move the buckets to ensure they get enough sunlight or protect them from harsh weather.

  • Pest Control: Garlic grown in containers is less prone to soil-borne pests and diseases.

  • Fresh Supply All Year: With proper planning, you can enjoy a continuous harvest throughout the year.

Choosing the Right Garlic

There are two main types of garlic: softneck and hardneck.

  • Softneck garlic is ideal for warmer climates and stores well, often lasting for months.

  • Hardneck garlic is better suited to cooler climates and has a stronger flavor.

For bucket planting, both varieties can work well, but softneck varieties are often more forgiving and better suited for container growing due to their compact size and longer shelf life.

Materials You’ll Need

To start your garlic bucket garden, gather the following:

  • Clean 5-gallon buckets or similar-sized containers (with drainage holes)

  • Potting mix or well-draining soil

  • Compost or organic fertilizer

  • Garlic bulbs (seed garlic, not grocery store garlic)

  • Watering can or hose

  • Mulch (optional)

How to Plant Garlic in Buckets

Step 1: Prepare the Buckets

Drill 4–6 small holes in the bottom of the bucket to ensure proper drainage. Garlic does not like soggy soil. Add a layer of gravel or small stones at the bottom to improve drainage further.

Step 2: Add Soil

Fill the bucket with a high-quality potting mix combined with compost. Garlic thrives in loose, fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Step 3: Separate the Cloves

Break apart the garlic bulb into individual cloves, making sure not to damage the cloves or remove the papery skins. Use the largest, healthiest-looking cloves for planting.

Step 4: Plant the Cloves

Plant each clove about 2–3 inches deep with the pointed end facing up. Space each clove at least 4 inches apart. A standard 5-gallon bucket can accommodate 4 to 6 cloves comfortably.

Step 5: Water Gently

Water the soil thoroughly after planting but don’t overwater. Keep the soil slightly moist but never soggy throughout the growing period.

Caring for Your Garlic

Sunlight

Garlic needs full sun—at least 6–8 hours a day. Place your buckets in a sunny spot, such as a balcony, patio, or rooftop.

Watering

Consistent moisture is key. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering once the leaves begin to yellow, which indicates the bulbs are maturing.

Fertilizing

Apply a balanced organic fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during the growing season to encourage bulb development.

Mulching

Mulch with straw or shredded leaves to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, especially if planting in cooler seasons.

When and How to Harvest

Garlic usually takes about 7–9 months to mature. The best indicator for harvest time is when the lower leaves begin to brown, but a few green leaves remain.

To harvest:

  1. Loosen the soil with a hand fork.

  2. Gently pull out the bulbs—avoid tugging hard to prevent damage.

  3. Let the harvested garlic cure in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for 2–3 weeks.

Once cured, brush off the dirt (do not wash), trim the roots, and cut the stalks if desired.

Storing Garlic for Year-Round Use

Store cured garlic in a cool, dry place with good airflow. Mesh bags, baskets, or paper bags work well. Properly stored garlic can last for several months.

You can also preserve garlic by:

  • Freezing peeled cloves

  • Making garlic paste

  • Pickling cloves in vinegar or oil

Successive Planting for Continuous Harvest

To enjoy fresh garlic all year, stagger your planting times. Garlic can be planted in fall for summer harvest or in late winter/early spring for a late summer/early fall crop, depending on your climate. By planting in cycles every few months, you can maintain a steady supply.

Final Thoughts

Growing garlic in buckets is a rewarding and practical way to ensure you always have this kitchen staple on hand. With a little care, you can harvest flavorful, homegrown garlic year-round—whether you’re in a city apartment or a small backyard. It’s a great introduction to container gardening and perfect for anyone who loves cooking with fresh, organic ingredients.

jardin