Can I Grow Garlic With Lettuce in a Pot?

Planting Time

• Garlic needs a cold dormant period to grow well and gardeners plant it in the fall in all but the coldest climates. Northern gardeners plant it in the spring. New sprouts emerge in the spring and are mature by June or July, depending on your climate. Lettuce grows quickly in cool weather and is usually planted in the spring or fall. It matures within 30 to 60 days and becomes bitter when warm temperatures arrive. If you plant garlic and lettuce together, they will not mature at the same time. The lettuce crop will be spent long before the garlic matures.

Growing Conditions

• Lettuce thrives in rich, moist soil high in nitrogen, while garlic prefers slightly dry conditions and less nitrogen. Both plants grow best in full sun but tolerate partial shade. If you plant garlic in the fall, it may need a heavy straw mulch to protect it from winter damage. Sink the pot into the ground if possible to insulate it.

Aesthetics

• Lettuce plants produce lush foliage in a variety of colors, while garlic plants produce tall spikes of leaves, similar to onions and chives. Planted together in a container, these two very different growing habits may clash visually. Instead, try growing several different kinds of lettuce with leafy herbs, such as dill or parsley.

General Recommendations

• Although garlic and lettuce can grow together in containers, other combinations probably make more sense. Grow garlic in the ground or in a pot by itself. Plant lettuce with other cool-season, leafy vegetables, such as arugula, broccoli or kale. Add pansies for a punch of color.