I hope to plant some garlic bulbs tomorrow, and I have a few questions:

1) Is it helpful to soak the bulbs in a solution of water and baking soda for a few hours beforehand?

2) Some places recommend using "seaweed fertilizer" in the soaking liquid as well, which I don't have. Is that very important? Is there a decent substitute?

3) Some places also say to soak the garlic for a few minutes in vodka or rubbing alcohol right before planting. I don't have vodka, and I refuse to use rubbing alcohol, which is poisonous. Could I use rum or wine instead? :)

Thanks for any info.