Baking soda, a common household staple, is a surprising secret weapon for gardeners. Versatile and eco-friendly, it can be used in various ways to maintain your plants and promote their health. Here are 14 clever uses for baking soda in your garden:
1. Fight Fungal Diseases: Baking soda creates a slightly alkaline environment that can discourage the growth of some harmful fungal diseases like powdery mildew and black spot. Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon horticultural oil, and 1 liter of water in a spray bottle. Spray the leaves and stems of affected plants every 7-10 days.
2. Eliminate Aphids and Other Pests: Baking soda can irritate the soft bodies of insect pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 liter of water and a few drops of liquid soap. Spray directly on infested insects, avoiding flowers and fruits.
3. Neutralize Soil Acidity: Excessively acidic soil can hinder the growth of certain plants. Baking soda can help slightly neutralize soil pH. Do a pH test to check your soil’s acidity before applying a small amount of baking soda around plants that prefer slightly alkaline soil.
4. De-weed Hard Surfaces: Baking soda can dehydrate weeds growing between pavers, walkways, and patios. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda directly on the weeds and lightly water them.
5. Revive Hydrangea Colors: Blue hydrangeas thrive in acidic soil. If your blue hydrangeas are losing their color and turning pink, you can try lightly watering the soil around the plant with a diluted baking soda solution (1 teaspoon per liter of water) to nudge the soil back towards a more neutral pH.
6. Discourage Rabbits and Rodents: Baking soda can have an unpleasant taste for rabbits and rodents. Lightly sprinkle baking soda around your plants to deter them from nibbling.
7. Clean Pots and Gardening Tools: Baking soda is a great gentle and eco-friendly cleaner. Soak your dirty garden pots in a solution of water and baking soda to remove dirt and residue. Use a baking soda paste to clean your gardening tools as well.
8. Deodorize Compost Bin: Baking soda can help neutralize odors from your compost bin. Regularly sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside the bin.
9. Remove Stains on Fruits and Vegetables: Baking soda can gently remove surface stains on freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. Soak your produce in a solution of water and baking soda for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
10. Keep Cut Flowers Fresh Longer: Add a pinch of baking soda to your vase water to help your cut flowers last longer.
11. Protect Fruits from Fungal Diseases: Just before flowering, you can lightly dust fruit trees (apple, peach, etc.) with a baking soda and water solution (1 tablespoon baking soda per liter of water) to help prevent the spread of fungal diseases.
12. Boost Insecticidal Soap: Add a tablespoon of baking soda to your homemade insecticidal soap mix to enhance its effectiveness against insect pests.
13. Seed Germination Test: Baking soda can be used to test seed viability. Soak your seeds in a weak solution of water and baking soda (1 teaspoon per liter of water) for a few hours. Seeds that float are generally empty and unlikely to germinate.
