### What to Soak Garlic In
Here’s the winning combination:
#### **1. Baking Soda + Water (to stimulate growth)**
* Mix **1 tablespoon of baking soda** with **1 quart of water**
* Optional: Add a splash of **liquid seaweed** or kelp fertilizer for even more root-boosting power
#### **2. Hydrogen Peroxide or Rubbing Alcohol (to kill pathogens)**
* Soak in a **1:10 dilution of hydrogen peroxide and water**, or briefly in **rubbing alcohol** before the nutrient soak
* This step helps disinfect the cloves and prevents fungal infections like white rot or downy mildew
Let the garlic soak for **30 minutes to 1 hour**, then plant immediately in well-prepared soil.
### Why It Works
* **Baking soda** neutralizes pathogens and softens the clove skin for quicker root growth
* **Hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol** reduces fungal risks and kills bacteria hiding in the papery layers
* **Liquid seaweed** adds micronutrients and hormones that stimulate early root and shoot growth
* This combo improves the odds of strong, disease-free plants that produce bigger, more abundant bulbs
### Additional Tips for Big, Beautiful Garlic Bulbs
* **Choose the largest cloves** for planting—bigger cloves = bigger bulbs
* **Plant in fall** (4–6 weeks before first frost) so roots establish before winter
* **Space cloves 6 inches apart**, root-side down
* **Mulch heavily** with straw or leaves to protect over winter and retain moisture
* **Feed garlic in spring** with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer for strong tops and larger bulbs
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If you’re aiming for a garlic harvest that’s bigger, bolder, and more abundant, **don’t skip the soak**. It’s a small step with huge returns—and the key to doubling your garlic yield naturally and affordably.
**Get growing, and get ready for your best garlic crop yet!**
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