---
title: "Help! This is my second attempted to grow garlic in a pot. I can get…"
description: "Help! This is my second attempted to grow garlic in a pot. I can get them to sprout, but both times they last about a week before turning brown and…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/GpJkJG2qS7KZ7LpSwQwhSg/3BfslPtM1GPad7GQIY8070"
community: "Propagating & Sowing"
author: "🌴Tom🌸🦩"
published: "2025-03-11T15:29:03.571759Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/EpRY7Bcmd89xsrnpU11Icj_0h4j1C6aSmGqlxIfDcFE/VZkD-aXmTouKerfR6QXCsQ.webp?size=large"
---

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# Help! This is my second attempted to grow garlic in a pot. I can get…

_Posted by 🌴Tom🌸🦩 on 2025-03-11_

Help! This is my second attempted to grow garlic in a pot. I can get them to sprout, but both times they last about a week before turning brown and decomposing. They are planted in a 50/50 mix of compost and potting soil. 😪🤷‍♂️

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/EpRY7Bcmd89xsrnpU11Icj_0h4j1C6aSmGqlxIfDcFE/VZkD-aXmTouKerfR6QXCsQ.webp?size=large)

## 13 comments

### LilSummerJoy commented on 2025-03-11

How often do you water it?

#### 🌴Tom🌸🦩 replied on 2025-03-11

Watered and mist about once a week. It's in bright indirect light with good airflow.

### Kaylee commented on 2025-03-11

It looks like the soil is a little dense. Is there perlite or anything mixed in for oxygen to get to the roots?

#### 🌴Tom🌸🦩 replied on 2025-03-11

It's 50% miracle grow potting soil and 50% compost/manure. So while the compost I don't believe has any of that, the miracle grow does.

#### Kaylee replied on 2025-03-11

I would try adding some perlite (or pumice, orchid bark, etc.) to improve aeration/drainage! Most potting mixes are already low on drainage, so with the compost it’s possible the soil is staying too wet and the roots aren’t getting enough oxygen, making them rot from the roots up.

### The threeplantiers commented on 2025-03-11

Try to mimic it’s natural environment with the watering of nature

#### 🌴Tom🌸🦩 replied on 2025-03-11

I go by what this app advises. It says to water every 9 days and mist like every other 9 or so. I don't think it's getting too much water. I may just try to use a different type of soil or something. Maybe I just need to buy garlic instead 🤣

#### 🌴Tom🌸🦩 replied on 2025-03-11

Also, I'm in SE floroda. Zone 11. So it's too hot outside to plant it outside, hence why it's in a pot.

### The threeplantiers commented on 2025-03-11

The soil drying out has to do with the heat and direct light

### The threeplantiers commented on 2025-03-11

More direct light and heat will evaporate the water more quickly

### c.cat commented on 2025-03-12

how are you potting it? individual cloves? are you taking off the papery 'skin'? if so that could be causing it to rot - the skin protects the clove while its growing :)

#### 🌴Tom🌸🦩 replied on 2025-03-12

I am potting individual cloves w the skin removed. If I do it again I will try leaving the skin on. Thank you.

### Makaila commented on 2025-04-16

I had this problem with multiple plants lately even with perlite mixed in and realized my soil was just retaining too much water. Hence the decomposing.. for me it was bc they were rotting underneath the surface! I’ve since bought tropical soil (my favorite) but multiple different light weight soils they drain better and it’s worked wonders. Your mix sounds great but too thick and heavy. I’d recommend using 1/2 - 1-3 of your mix then for the rest something light like peat moss or tropical soil

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