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

Baking soda is a versatile household item that can be a gardener’s best friend due to its various uses in the garden. Here are 10 clever ways to use baking soda in your garden:

Control Powdery Mildew: Baking soda can help prevent and treat powdery mildew on plants. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap, and a gallon of water. Spray this solution on affected plants every 7-14 days.

Deter Aphids and Other Pests: Create a homemade pest control spray by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil, and a few drops of dish soap in a gallon of water. Use it to deter aphids and other soft-bodied pests.

Sweeten Tomatoes: Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda around the base of tomato plants to sweeten the fruit. It can help balance soil pH and reduce acidity.

Boost Blooms: Some gardeners believe that applying baking soda to flowering plants can encourage more blooms. Sprinkle a small amount at the base of the plants or mix it with water and apply as a foliar spray.

Slug and Snail Control: Baking soda can help deter slugs and snails when sprinkled around vulnerable plants. It acts as an abrasive material that irritates their soft bodies.

Fungicide for Roses: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a gallon of water to create a homemade fungicide for roses. Spray it on the foliage to prevent and control black spot and other fungal diseases.

Weed Killer: While it’s not a potent weed killer, sprinkling baking soda on weeds growing in cracks or crevices can help weaken them. Follow up with manual removal.

Neutralize Soil Acidity: If your soil is too acidic, baking soda can help raise the pH level. However, use it sparingly, as excessive use can make the soil too alkaline.

Compost Odor Control: Adding a small amount of baking soda to your compost pile can help reduce odors and balance the pH of the compost.

Clean Garden Tools: Baking soda can be used as a natural abrasive to clean your gardening tools. It helps remove dirt and rust, keeping your tools in good condition.

When using baking soda in the garden, it’s essential to apply it sparingly and test its effects on a small area before widespread use, as it can alter soil pH levels. Additionally, consider the specific needs of your garden and plants to determine if baking soda is a suitable solution for your gardening challenges.