How to Soak Garlic Seed for Planting

For optimal results when growing garlic, soak the seeds prior to planting.

Garlic is commonly used to flavor foods while cooking. It has also been shown to have numerous health benefits. Growing garlic at home is a cost-effective way to enjoy garlic. It is important to soak garlic seed prior to planting. Soaking the seed speeds up the germination process and wards off any pests or disease on the seed. Grow garlic quickly and effectively by properly preparing the seeds for planting.

Things You'll Need

• Large pot, bowl or bucket
• 1 gallon warm water
• 1 Tbsp. baking soda
• 1 Tbsp. liquid seaweed
• 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
• Spoon
• Bowl
• Rubbing alcohol or 100+ proof vodka

Instructions

1. Break the bulbs of the garlic into individual cloves. The cloves are the seed that is planted. Use your fingers to carefully separate the the bulbs.

2. Fill a large pot, bowl or bucket with 1 gallon of warm water. Add 1 Tbsp. baking soda, 1 Tbsp. liquid seaweed and 1 Tbsp. white vinegar. Stir the contents with a spoon to thoroughly combine.

3. Place the garlic seeds into the mixture. Allow them to soak in the mixture overnight.

4. Remove the garlic seeds from the pot the next day. Set them aside in a bowl.

5. Soak the garlic seeds in rubbing alcohol or 100+ proof vodka immediately before planting. Place the garlic seed in a bowl and pour enough vodka or rubbing alcohol over the seeds to completely cover them.

6. Allow the garlic seeds to soak in the alcohol or vodka for about four minutes. Plant the garlic seeds promptly.

Tips & Warnings

• The skins will likely fall off of the cloves during the soaking process. This is normal and will not affect the growing process.

• The soaking process will emit a strong odor. If you think the smell will bother you, consider soaking the garlic seeds outside.

• If you are planting different varieties of garlic, make sure to soak them separately so you do not get them mixed up for planting.

• Liquid seaweed can be purchased at most home improvement or garden centers.

References

• Gourmet Garlic Gardens: Growing Gourmet Garlic
• We Grow Garlic: Planting