Top 10 Miracles of Baking Soda in the Garden
Baking soda is frequently associated with various indoor “green cleaning” approaches. It has so many functions within the house that it’s only natural that it would work outside. Most people are aware that a carton of baking soda should be kept in the refrigerator to eliminate odors. Nonetheless, it has a plethora of additional applications, even in the garden!
Baking soda is a natural product comprised of sodium bicarbonate, a strongly alkaline substance. It produces carbon dioxide gas when mixed with something acidic. Below is a pictorial image of baking soda for more conciseness.
Baking soda is also recognized as an all-purpose cleanser with moderate abrasive characteristics. It works wonders when it comes to absorbing odors. Baking soda can be used in various ways around the house. Even though there is only one element in baking soda – sodium bicarbonate – that ingredient is made up of carbon, hydrogen, sodium, and oxygen. (57.1 percent sodium, 27.4% oxygen, 14.3% carbon, and 1.2 percent hydrogen). The substance is a white powder that occasionally lumps together. It has no odor and a harsh, slightly salty flavor. At room temperature, it is solid and can be dissolved in water.
Miracles of baking soda in the garden via different means will be discussed exclusively below in the following points:
1. Baking soda for plant fertilizer:
- Baking soda only by its natural self cannot be used to fertilize plants on its own, but it can be combined with other ingredients to make a decent substitute for Miracle-Gro garden fertilizer.
- 1 tablespoon Epsom salt, a teaspoon of baking soda, and a half teaspoon of household ammonia are all you need. Fill a gallon of water halfway with this mixture and stir thoroughly.
2. Baking Soda Fungicides for Tomatoes:
- Tomato plants are susceptible to a variety of fungi. A couple of the more common ones are leaf spot and early blight. A wonderful fungicide is a baking soda mixed with vegetable oil to make an organic tomato spray to help combat tomato fungal disease.
- It’s also effective against powdery mildew on tomatoes. Baking soda and tomato plants go together like a dream.
3. Baking Soda for Garden Pests:
- Among the insects that dislike baking soda include ants, silverfish, and cockroaches. In the garden, ensure to sprinkle baking soda on the soil. Insects that aren’t fond of it will avoid it. Slugs can be killed by placing them directly on the pest.
- Always ensure it doesn’t get on the plants. If there are ant mounds in the yard, wet them down with water and then scatter 2 cups of baking soda on top. This would act as repellants and reduce the populations of pests attacking the plants.
4. Baking Soda Mixture for Killing Weeds:
- To get rid of weeds in cracks on a patio or pathway, use full-strength baking soda. This will kill any little weeds that have sprouted and prevent the growth of new ones. Weeds that are present in garden beds can be controlled by spraying them with water from a hose. Then, measure out a teaspoon of baking soda and sprinkle it evenly over the entire weed leaf, not just in the middle.
- Baking soda kills and prevents weeds in the same way as it kills and prevents plants when used at full power. So be careful not to get baking soda on your grass or surrounding desired plants.
5. Baking Soda in Soil:
- The acidity and alkalinity levels in soils are measured by the pH of the soil. Soil pH typically ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral, acidic below 7, and alkaline beyond 7. For most plants, the optimal pH range is between 5.5 and 7.0.
- Although soil testing kits are available for purchase, a simple pH test can be performed with baking soda and water. While the test isn’t 100% accurate, it can provide some insight into the soil’s content and pH level. The test will necessitate the use of both vinegar and baking soda. Baking soda checks for acidity in the soil, while vinegar checks for alkalinity.
6. Baking Soda on Tomato Plants:
- Tomatoes, particularly early and late blight, are highly sensitive to these diseases. Another fungal disease that affects tomato plants is powdery mildew. This condition is tough to control, but it is easy to prevent using baking soda, a common kitchen product. This can be accomplished with a simple mix of water, baking soda, and non-detergent dishwashing liquid soap.
7. Baking Soda for Plants:
- Baking soda on plants has no known side effects, and in some situations, it can help reduce the growth of fungal spores.
- It works best on fruits and vegetables that are picked off the vine or stem, but regular treatments in the spring can assist in preventing illnesses like powdery mildew and other foliar diseases.
8. Baking Soda for Rose Black Spot Fungus:
- Baking soda’s components are supposed to be able to inhibit fungal spore flare-ups on roses. Baking soda, on the other hand, is unlikely to kill the spores themselves.
- Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with a gallon of water to utilize sodium bicarbonate as a fungicide for plants. On common ornamental and vegetable plants, baking soda reduces the impacts of fungal diseases.
9. Baking Soda to Freshen Garden Recycling Bins:
- Yard debris is collected in large recycling bins until trash collection day. Due to the compilation process, the collected material transforms into mulch. After a week, the bins can get quite stinky, especially if the weeds in the bins are damp.
- In garden bins and regular waste bins, a thick layer of baking soda in the bottommost part of the bins goes a long way toward eliminating odors.
10. Baking Soda to Clean Garden Furniture:
- Throughout the summer, moisture and UV sunlight rays can turn resin or wood garden furniture drab and dirty. Baking soda gives outdoor furniture a fresh lease on life.
- Mix a half cup of baking soda, a tablespoon of dish soap, and a gallon of warm water in a mixing bowl. It will spruce up your outdoor furniture and make it appear like new!
- To clean very unclean outdoor things, make a paste out of baking soda and castile soap and apply it to the furniture. Baking soda should not be used on metal furniture since it can cause corrosion.
