One of the most adaptable and inexpensive gardening resources is probably already in your home, waiting to be put to use in the kitchen.
The garden can benefit in many ways from baking soda, a common household product. In this post, we’ll go through 10 ways in which baking soda can be used in the garden to solve common problems without resorting to harsh chemicals.
1. Natural Fungicide
When used as directed, baking soda can be an effective natural fungicide for your garden. Cleaning with baking soda is as simple as adding a tablespoon to a gallon of water and some liquid soap. Powdery mildew, black spot, and other fungal infections can be treated by spraying the solution on the affected plants. It may be necessary to repeat the process every week or two.
2. Weed Killer
Baking soda can be used as a natural alternative to chemical weed killers. Carefully apply baking soda to weeds, avoiding desirable plants. The baking soda will eventually kill the weeds by rupturing their cell walls.
3. Pest Deterrent
Baking soda can be used to deter garden pests that cause damage to your plants. Dust plants that are susceptible to pests like cabbage worms or aphids with a mixture of baking soda and flour. The baking soda will keep the bugs away without harming your plants.
4. Soil Amendment
Changing the soil’s pH with baking soda is possible. Baking soda can be used to reduce the acidity of soil. However, before adding baking soda, you should test your soil’s pH to make sure it’s at the right level for your plants.
5. Tomato Sweetener
If you want sweeter tomatoes, sprinkle some baking soda around the plants’ roots. The addition of baking soda affects the acidity of the soil around the plants, resulting in sweeter tomatoes. If your soil is acidic, you can greatly benefit from this technique.
6. Compost Enhancer
You can hasten the decomposition of your compost pile by adding baking soda to it. By creating an alkaline environment, baking soda promotes the growth of microorganisms that aid in decomposing organic materials.
7. Odor Absorber
Compost bins and fertilizer can be two common sources of unpleasant odors in the yard. You can help absorb and neutralize scents in these spots by sprinkling baking soda there.
8. Tool Cleaner
Dirt, sap, and rust can build up over time on gardening implements. Mix baking soda and water to make a paste, then use it to scrub your equipment clean. Baking soda’s gentle abrasive characteristics will help clean your instruments, restoring them to like-new condition.
9. Seed Germination
Scarification can improve germination rates for certain seeds. Baking soda can help with that. Seeds should be soaked in a solution of baking soda and water before planting. The seed coat can be loosened, and germination can be improved with this treatment.
10. Ant Repellent
Baking soda is effective for warding off ants, which can be a nuisance in the garden.
Sprinkle baking soda around plants or in ant paths to create a barrier.
They won’t be able to follow their scent to your plants since the baking soda will interrupt their paths.
Baking soda has several purposes in the garden, from improving soil conditions to acting as a natural fungicide to discouraging pests.