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Container Gardening

Has anyone grown garlic and leeks in a container?

14 years ago

I was wondering because I can't get the garlic to produce in the ground or grow big leeks. When I plant leeks in the ground and layer up as they grow they grow 6 inches tall and 2-3 inches thick, and they are to be bigger then they grow now in the ground. With only 3 inches of it being edible on the leeks.

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Comments (4)

jodik_gw
14 years ago
What type of soil are you growing in?

I used to have a lot of problems growing carrots and other root vegetables... then, I amended my raised beds with plenty of sand and loose, loamy compost... it really helped having a loose, free draining soil so the roots could grow through it easier.

I do grow an ornamental garlic in a container, but I grow it for the flowers and variegated leaves, and not to eat. I use a fast draining, gritty medium for that container, and the bulbs are growing fine.
forestelves
Original Author
14 years ago
I plant them right in the compost piles I make in the garden. They soil is fine for them. The next year I plant tomatoes or peppers. Then compost. Then next year plant leeks and garlic with failing results. Then plant tomatoes or peppers with great success. Then repeat.

Although I haven't added sand to the garden in along time. So that may be the problem, but I don't think so. The compost soil is very loose just like sand.

But still has anyone grown garlic and leeks in a container with great success, because I have a neighbor that grows Swiss chard, cucumber, and lettuces in pots with great success even though they plant right in the ground. They grow them close to the house because itÂs more efficient for them then to tear up there lawn.
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justaguy2
14 years ago
I have not grown garlic or leeks in containers, I grow them in the ground. Having said that I can't think of any reason they wouldn't do very well. In your/our area garlic should ideally be planted in the fall. Perhaps that's one reason I haven't done it in containers as I don't really want to worry about winter survival in a container. My guess is that most hard necks would be just fine with little to no protection in a container though.
jane__ny
14 years ago
You need full sun and fast draining soil. I've grown scallions in pots with good success. I've grown leeks in the ground for many years. Easy to grow if you have good sun/drainage.

Jane

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