Baking soda is a gardener’s best friend: here are 10 clever uses in the garden

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is indeed a versatile and budget-friendly tool for gardeners. Here are ten clever uses for baking soda in the garden:

Natural Fungicide:

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and a few drops of mild soap in a gallon of water. Use this solution to control fungal diseases like powdery mildew on plants.
pH Buffer:

Baking soda can help raise the pH of soil that is too acidic, making it more suitable for certain plants. Test your soil’s pH first and apply small amounts as needed.
Tomato Sweetener:

Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda around the base of your tomato plants to reduce acidity in the soil and enhance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Weed Killer:

Baking soda can be used to kill weeds in areas where you don’t want any plant growth. Sprinkle it directly onto weeds and the surrounding soil to deter their growth.
Antacid for Tomatoes:

If you experience blossom end rot on your tomato plants, which is often due to calcium deficiency, you can use a baking soda solution to help correct the issue. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water and use it as a foliar spray.
Deodorize Compost Piles:

Sprinkle baking soda into your compost pile to help reduce odors and balance the pH levels.
Clean Garden Tools:

Baking soda can be used to clean and remove rust from garden tools. Make a paste with water and scrub your tools with it.
Deter Garden Pests:

Sprinkle baking soda around plants that are susceptible to pests like cabbage worms or aphids. It can act as a deterrent and make the leaves less palatable.
Repel Slugs and Snails:

Create a barrier around your plants by sprinkling baking soda on the soil. It can help deter slugs and snails as they dislike crawling over it.
Clean Bird Baths and Garden Statues:

Baking soda can be used to clean and remove algae or mineral deposits from bird baths and garden statues. It’s non-toxic and safe for wildlife.
Remember to use baking soda sparingly, as excessive use can affect the soil’s pH. It’s always a good idea to test a small area before applying it more broadly to ensure it won’t harm your plants or soil. Baking soda is most effective as a natural remedy for common gardening issues when used thoughtfully and in combination with other appropriate gardening practices.