Baking soda stands out as an economical, edible, non-toxic, and biodegradable product that is challenging to criticize. With multifaceted utility, it is an indispensable item in our daily lives, finding applications in cooking, cleaning, and gardening.
Proven effective in various uses, including stain removal, teeth whitening, surface cleaning, and pesticide elimination, baking soda showcases its versatility. In the realm of gardening, it provides practical solutions for a multitude of purposes.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has several uses in the garden. Here are 10 clever ways you can use baking soda to benefit your garden:
- Antifungal Agent:
- Mix baking soda with water (1 tablespoon per quart) and use it as a foliar spray on plants susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew. This can help prevent the spread of fungal infections.
- Natural Pesticide:
- Create a pesticide by mixing baking soda with a small amount of soap and water. Spray this mixture on plants to deter pests like aphids and spider mites.
- Soil pH Balancer:
- Baking soda can help raise the pH of soil that is too acidic. However, it’s essential to test your soil pH first and use baking soda sparingly to avoid over-alkalizing the soil.
- Tomato Sweetener:
- Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda around the base of tomato plants to sweeten the fruit by reducing acidity. This is especially useful for tomatoes used in sauces and canning.
- Weed Killer:
- Baking soda can be used as a natural weed killer. Sprinkle it on weeds in pathways or between pavers, but be cautious as it may affect surrounding plants as well.
- Deodorize Compost Bin:
- Sprinkle baking soda in your compost bin to help control odors. This can also aid in maintaining a healthy balance of microorganisms in the compost.
- Clean Garden Tools:
- Make a paste of baking soda and water to clean and scrub your garden tools. This helps remove dirt, sap, and other residues while also preventing rust.
- Fruit and Vegetable Wash:
- Use baking soda as a natural cleaner for fruits and vegetables. Mix it with water and gently scrub produce to remove dirt and residues.
- Deter Slugs and Snails:
- Create a barrier around vulnerable plants by sprinkling a line of baking soda. Slugs and snails find it abrasive and will be less likely to cross.
- Prevent Cabbage Worms:
- Dust cabbage family plants with baking soda to deter cabbage worms. Reapply after rain or as needed.
