Baking soda, is a common ingredient in many kitchens. But to many people’s surprise, it can also be used in the garden for various purposes. Baking soda is a natural, chemical-free, and versatile substance that can help you improve your soil, care for your plants, control pests and diseases, and clean your garden tools and furniture.
In this article, we will walk you through 8 clever ways to use baking soda in the garden and how it can benefit your gardening experience. Whether you want to sweeten your tomatoes, prevent fungal infections, or deter weeds and insects, baking soda can be your handy helper in the garden. Read on to discover how to use this amazing substance in different ways and situations.
1. Soil pH Balance
Baking soda can help balance the pH levels of your garden soil. While it won’t drastically alter pH, it can provide a slight increase in alkalinity, which some plants prefer. It’s great to sprinkle a light layer of baking soda around alkaline-loving plants like tomatoes and sweet peas to create a more suitable growing environment.
2. Pest Control
Baking soda can deter common garden pests. It works as a natural insecticide against aphids, spider mites, and other soft-bodied pests. To control pests in your garden, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of liquid soap and water. Spray this solution on your plants, taking care not to saturate them, as excessive use can harm foliage.
3. Fungus Fighter
Baking soda’s anti-fungal properties make it effective in controlling fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Create a solution of one tablespoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of liquid soap, and one gallon of water. Then, spray it on your plants to prevent and combat fungal infections.
4. Weed Killer
Baking soda can be used to control weeds in walkways and cracks. Sprinkle it directly on the weeds, which will absorb the baking soda and die off. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to chemical herbicides.
5. Compost Accelerator
This kitchen ingredient can also help speed up the composting process. A light sprinkle of baking soda in your compost pile helps maintain the proper pH levels and encourages the breakdown of organic matter.
6. Odor Eliminator
If your garden compost pile emits foul odors, baking soda can help neutralize them. Simply sprinkle a layer of it over the compost to reduce unpleasant smells.
7. Tomatoes And Blossom End Rot
Tomatoes can sometimes suffer from blossom end rot, a condition caused by calcium deficiency. Baking soda, when applied sparingly, can help increase the availability of calcium in the soil, potentially reducing this problem.
8. Clean Garden Tools
Baking soda is also a handy tool cleaner. Mix it with water to form a paste and use it to scrub and clean your garden tools. This helps prevent the spread of diseases from one plant to another.
While baking soda has many beneficial uses in the garden, it should be used in moderation. Because excessive application can harm plants and soil, to get started, you should always test a small area before applying baking soda to your entire garden and consult with local gardening experts for specific recommendations based on your soil and plant types.
