Garlic is easy to grow and known to repel deer and rabbits
Plant garlic in pot(s) now, and place in a sunny spot in a cold garage or cold (but not freezing) area of your home. Garlic needs a 4-8 week period of cold for proper bulb development. The ideal time to plant is Fall, but for containers, Spring is a good time to plant.
Select a pot at least 8–12 inches deep with good drainage. A wider container allows for multiple cloves to be spaced properly (4–6 inches apart). If you plant garlic too close together you'll get tiny garlic bulbs).
Softneck garlic is best for mild climates and long storage, but have a milder flavor. This kind is typically sold in grocery stores.
Hardneck garlic is ideal for colder regions like ours, and has a stronger flavor. This kind of garlic produces garlic scapes (wonderful in cooking). It's best to cut this curly part off of the plant so energy can continue to be given to the bulb.
Fill your pot with high-quality, loose, and well-draining potting mix. Mix in compost for added nutrients. Separate cloves from a garlic bulb and plant them pointy side up about 2 inches deep. Space them 4–6 inches apart. Water deeply until excess moisture drains out the bottom.
Tip: Don't plant small cloves or cloves that are soft.
Place the pot in a sunny location in an unheated garage or other cold space (garlic loves sun - 6–8 hours of sunlight daily). When your potted garlic begins to grow leaves after the chilling period, place the container in full sun (at least 8 hours per day) and provide plenty of water. Place back in the sheltered spot (i.e. garage) if a hard frost or temps below freezing are predicted.
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Use a balanced organic fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during the growing season only. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season, as they encourage leaf growth over bulb development.
Garlic is ready for harvest when leaves turn yellow and dry out, typically in 7–9 months (August - October if you planted your container in early February). Gently pull up the bulbs, let them cure in a dry, airy space for 2–3 weeks, then store in a cool, dark space.
Don't plant garlic in containers with other plants, as garlic tents to stunt the growth and flavor of plants in close proximity.