Garlic is one of the most rewarding crops a gardener can grow. It requires little maintenance, takes up minimal space, and delivers bold flavor that store-bought garlic simply can’t match. Even better, garlic doesn’t need a traditional garden bed—you can successfully grow garlic in a simple box using affordable, easy-to-find materials.
This article will guide you step by step through how to grow healthy, full-sized garlic bulbs in a box, whether you live in an apartment, have a balcony, or just want a tidy, controlled growing setup.
Why Garlic Is Perfect for Box Gardening
Garlic is well-suited to container growing because it:
- Has shallow roots
- Grows vertically rather than spreading
- Tolerates cold temperatures
- Requires minimal watering
- Is naturally pest-resistant
With the right setup, box-grown garlic can produce bulbs just as large as those grown in the ground.
Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
There are two main types of garlic:
Latest Posts
- With Just 1 Bottle of Water How I Was Shocked by What Happened When Growing Vegetables
- Maximize Your Home Garden with the Hanging Pea Sprout Growing Model – Space-Saving, High-Yield, and Easy-to-Manage Vertical Gardening Solution
- Just Water – The Secret to Growing Plump, White Peanut Sprouts Right at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
- Growing Zucchini at Home in a Container: How to Cultivate Large, Long Fruits with a 1-to-72 Day Step-by-Step Diary for Maximum Yield
- Grow Long Beans on the Terrace in Used Recycling Baskets: The Ultimate Guide to Easy, Space-Saving, and High-Yield Terrace Gardening
- How to Grow Tons of Long Beans Easily Without a Garden – A Complete Guide to Growing Healthy Yardlong Beans Without Fertilizers or Pesticides
- Easy Long Bean Growing Trick – No Garden, No Fertilizer, No Pesticide
- Grow Bitter Melon in Bottles — Harvest So Big You Can’t Eat It All! The Ultimate Guide to Bottle Gardening for Maximum Yields
- Growing Garlic Made Easy: No Soil, Fast Results – The Ultimate Guide to Growing Fresh Garlic Indoors Without Traditional Soil
- Wall-Mounted Hydroponic Watermelon System: Grow Large, Juicy, and Delicious Watermelons at Home with Minimal Space and Maximum Yield
Hardneck Garlic
- Stronger flavor
- Larger cloves
- Produces scapes
- Best for colder climates
Softneck Garlic
- Milder flavor
- Stores longer
- More cloves per bulb
- Better for warmer climates
Choose organic, seed-quality garlic—never grocery store garlic, which may be treated to prevent sprouting.
Simple Materials You’ll Need
You don’t need expensive containers.
Ideal Box Options
- Wooden crate
- Plastic storage box
- DIY wooden box
- Recycled drawer
Box Requirements
- At least 8–10 inches deep
- Drainage holes at the bottom
- Wide enough to space cloves properly
Preparing the Box for Planting
- Drill or punch drainage holes
- Line the bottom with mesh or fabric
- Elevate box slightly for airflow
Good drainage is critical—garlic hates soggy soil.
The Best Soil for Garlic in a Box
Garlic thrives in loose, fertile soil.
Ideal Soil Mix
- High-quality potting mix
- Compost or aged manure
- A small amount of sand or perlite
Avoid heavy garden soil, which compacts easily in containers.
When to Plant Garlic
Garlic is usually planted in:
- Fall (best results)
- Late winter in mild climates
Planting in fall allows roots to establish before winter dormancy, leading to larger bulbs.
How to Plant Garlic Cloves
- Separate cloves carefully
- Plant cloves pointed end up
- Space cloves 4–6 inches apart
- Plant 2 inches deep
- Cover with soil and water lightly
Each clove grows into one full bulb.
Placement and Sunlight
Garlic needs:
- 6–8 hours of sunlight daily
- Cool temperatures for early growth
Place the box on a balcony, patio, or sunny window area.
Watering Garlic Properly
Garlic prefers:
- Even moisture
- No waterlogging
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering as bulbs mature to prevent rot.
Mulching for Success
Mulch helps:
- Retain moisture
- Regulate soil temperature
- Protect roots during winter
Use straw, shredded leaves, or dry grass clippings.
Feeding Garlic in a Box
Garlic benefits from light feeding:
- Add compost at planting time
- Use organic fertilizer in early spring
- Avoid feeding once bulbs start forming
Too much nitrogen late in the season reduces bulb size.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Yellow leaves early: Nutrient deficiency
- Small bulbs: Insufficient sun or spacing
- Rotting cloves: Poor drainage
Correcting these issues early ensures a good harvest.
When and How to Harvest Garlic
Garlic is ready when:
- Lower leaves turn brown
- Upper leaves remain green
Gently loosen soil and lift bulbs—never pull by stems.
Curing and Storing Garlic
Curing improves flavor and storage life.
- Hang bulbs in a dry, shaded area
- Cure for 2–3 weeks
- Trim roots and stems
Store in a cool, dry place with good airflow.
Why Box-Grown Garlic Is Worth It
- Fresh, intense flavor
- No chemicals
- Minimal space required
- High yield from small effort
Growing garlic in a box proves that big harvests don’t require big gardens.
Final Thoughts
Growing garlic in a box is one of the simplest and most satisfying gardening projects you can try. With basic materials, good soil, and patience, you can harvest flavorful, homegrown garlic even in the smallest spaces. It’s a perfect crop for beginners and experienced gardeners alike—and once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought bulbs.