I would like to plant hard neck garlic in a soft pot. I have a 15 gallon one on hand with a mixture of soil, compost and some worm castings, sand and perlite mixed in. If I plant the garlic now, what do I do with the pot over winter? Do I leave it outside? I live in NW Indiana near Chicago. Also, can I plant garlic in a raised bed?
Your potted Garlic should remain outdoors.
Make sure you are planting a variety that is selected for a cold growing zone.
These articles will will help you.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/fruit-vegetable/growing-garlic-in-minnesota/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/growing-garlic-in-containers.htm
What bags of soil/compost should I buy from B and Q to plant elephant garlic in? Many thanks, Greg.
This article will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/grow-elephant-garlic-plants.htm
I bought some seed garlic bulbs from a local garden centre. When I unpacked them and separated the cloves prior to planting, I found these marks on most of the cloves. What is it, (I'm assuming pest damage) and what should I do about it? Other than demanding my money back, of course. Thanks, Andrew.
I am not able to see your photo. Would you mind sending it again?
Photo attached.
I have garlic that was a gift. Some of them are sprouting. It is in the mid 20s outside. Would it be ok to plant in a pot with soil until the weather is back to planting temperature?
Here is a link that has information on growing Garlic in containers.
This is an option for your sprouted Garlic.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/growing-garlic-in-containers.htm
Most garlic is pretty hardy (down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit). Garlic actually needs the cold to grow properly. If you want, yes, you can plant it in a pot until outside temperatures are such that the ground soil is workable for you. Plant it outside in a sunny, well drained soil location and put a light (1 or 2 inch) layer of mulch on top of it.
I recently bought a house in Oklahoma with an existing garlic bed that looks like it hasn't been touched in years. What steps need to be taken to get it cleaned up and producing?
Most Garlic is planted and then harvested, with the cycle repeating itself.
In your growing zone, garlic is generally planted from Oct to Dec, then harvested in the late spring or summer.
You can leave garlic to produce Scapes.
I would see what you have growing this late spring. Harvest the Garlic when it is ready and clean up the bed.
That is a good time to access the garden, do a soil test and amend the soil if needed.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/growing-garlic.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/growing-garlic.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/save-garlic-next-year.htm
First I was wondering if I could grow garlic in an outdoor planter, but the directions said to plant in October or November. If I did this, the soil in the planter would freeze, and if I'm crying reject, the garlic would die. If I were to plant it outside in my garden, would the same thing happen?
Sure, you can plant your garlic in an outdoor container, just be sure to use an appropriate container and soil mix and cover with some organic mulch for winter. These articles may help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/growing-garlic.htm
and
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/growing-garlic-in-containers.htm
Do I keep the skin on the clove and if it has already sprouted do I set that end down in the soil?
Yes, the skin is left on the garlic clove, with the root end pressed down into the soil.
Here are some articles with more information for you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/growing-garlic-in-containers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/how-to-grow-garlic-in-warmer-climates.htm
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Garlic-Indoors-in-a-Pot