Knowledgebase

growing garlic in container in Seattle #919804

Asked October 12, 2025, 6:55 PM EDT

hello, i recently moved out of my house and am now living in an apartment in Lynnwood (just north of Seattle) i have a small outdoor concrete patio. can i grow garlic in a container? are there any particular tips or tricks to be successful? thanks

Washington County Oregon

Expert Response

Greetings,
Yes, you can grow garlic in a container. Here are some recommendations: 

Container & Soil Setup
  • Container size: Use a pot at least 8–12 inches deep with good drainage. A wide container allows for more cloves.
  • Soil: Use a loose, well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy garden soil.
  • Drainage: Ensure your container has holes and consider placing it on pot feet or bricks to prevent waterlogging.

Planting Garlic

  • When to plant: In western Washington (including Lynnwood), plant garlic in late October to early November.
  • What to plant: Use seed garlic (not grocery store garlic). Choose hardneck varieties for better cold tolerance and flavorful scapes.
  • How to plant:


    • Break bulbs into individual cloves.
    • Plant each clove 2–3 inches deep, pointy side up, and 4–6 inches apart.
    • Cover with 1–2 inches of mulch (straw or leaves) to insulate over winter.

Sunlight & Water

  • Sun: Place your container where it gets 6+ hours of sunlight daily.
  • Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Reduce watering in winter, then resume regular watering in spring.

Care & Harvest

  • Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilize in early spring and again in mid-summer.
  • Scapes: If growing hardneck garlic, cut the curly scapes in early summer to encourage bulb growth—and enjoy them in stir-fries!
  • Harvest: Garlic is ready in mid to late July when lower leaves turn brown. Cure bulbs in a dry, shaded area for 2–3 weeks.

Helpful Extension Resources



Warm Regards,  Replied October 13, 2025, 12:36 PM EDT

Loading ...