We pour our hearts into making our patios picture-perfect—lush flowers, cozy furniture, and just the right touch of greenery.
After all, a patio should be a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. But what if I told you that one simple addition could do more than just add a little charm?
Tucking this humble plant around your patio brings benefits that go far beyond aesthetics, and the best part? It practically takes care of itself.
Why Garlic Is A Game-Changer For Your Patio
At first glance, garlic might not seem like a typical patio plant. We usually think of it in the kitchen, adding bold flavor to our favorite dishes.
But when planted around your patio, it becomes more than just a culinary staple—it turns into a natural barrier against some of the most bothersome outdoor pests.
Mosquitoes, aphids, and even deer tend to steer clear of areas where garlic grows, thanks to its strong scent and sulfur compounds.
These natural compounds interfere with the way many pests detect food, making garlic an effortless way to keep your patio space more comfortable.
Beyond its pest-repelling powers, garlic also brings a touch of charm to your garden. Its long, slender green stalks add a graceful, upright element, and when summer rolls around, delicate purple or white flowers emerge, blending beautifully with other plants.
While it may not be the first thing you think to plant near your patio, garlic has a way of proving that sometimes the most unexpected choices bring the biggest rewards.
How To Plant Garlic For Maximum Benefits
Getting garlic in the ground is as simple as it gets, and the sooner you plant it, the sooner you’ll enjoy its perks. Garlic grows best in well-draining soil and thrives in full sun, making the edges of a patio or along garden borders a perfect spot.
Each clove is planted pointed side up, buried a couple of inches deep, and spaced a few inches apart to give the roots room to spread.
And that’s about it—no complicated prep, no fussy requirements, just a quick planting that pays off in more ways than one.
Timing is key. For the best results, garlic is typically planted in the fall, just before the ground freezes, so it can establish roots over winter and sprout strong in the spring.
But even a spring planting can deliver great results if given enough time to grow. Whether planted into a flower bed, arranged along a patio border, or even grown in containers, garlic makes itself right at home with minimal effort.
Simple Care Tips To Keep Your Garlic Thriving
Garlic may have a strong reputation in the kitchen, but in the garden, it’s surprisingly low-maintenance.
A little watering during dry spells and the occasional weeding is all it takes to keep it happy. It thrives with just a bit of attention, and once it’s established, it practically takes care of itself.
Mulching around the base helps lock in moisture and keeps weeds at bay, making your job even easier.
The real trick to growing great garlic is patience. As the months pass, its green stalks will grow taller, and when summer arrives, you might notice long, curly flower stems called scapes.
Snipping these off helps the plant focus its energy on growing bigger bulbs below the soil—plus, garlic scapes are a delicious bonus that can be used in cooking.
A simple cut here and there, a bit of water now and then, and before you know it, your garlic will be ready to harvest.
What Happens After You Harvest Your Garlic
I’m sure many of you are now wondering what happens once you harvest your garlic. The obvious answer is to store it for cooking, but there’s another way to put it to good use—by turning it into a powerful garlic spray that helps keep pests at bay.
Many common garden invaders, like aphids, spider mites, and cabbage worms, can’t stand garlic’s strong scent and natural compounds.
Instead of relying on chemical pesticides, this simple homemade solution works as a natural deterrent, protecting your plants while keeping your outdoor space pest-free.
Making garlic spray is as easy as it gets. Blend a few cloves of garlic with water, strain the mixture, and pour it into a spray bottle.
For extra effectiveness, add a few drops of dish soap or a little vegetable oil to help the spray stick to leaves. Apply it in the early morning or late evening, giving the leaves a light mist, especially on plants that pests love to target.
More Ways To Use Garlic For A Healthier Outdoor Space
Garlic’s usefulness doesn’t stop at the harvest. Even after pulling up the bulbs, it continues to lend a helping hand around your patio.
Garlic-infused sprays can be made from its cloves to naturally protect plants from unwanted visitors, keeping your garden thriving without the need for harsh chemicals.
Even the leftover garlic peels can be tossed into the soil as a natural fertilizer, giving your plants a nutrient boost.
Want to keep reaping the benefits? Simply save a few of the biggest, healthiest bulbs to replant for next season.
Not only does this keep the cycle going, but each new generation of garlic adapts better to your garden’s conditions, making it even easier to grow.
Whether in the ground, in containers, or as a natural garden ally, garlic proves time and time again that it’s one of the most rewarding plants to have around your patio.