Chances are – you have baking soda in your cupboard or refrigerator. Of course, we all know how great baking soda is when it comes to baking or removing odors, but did you know it’s actually far more versatile than that? In fact, it does wonders for your garden.
Here are 10 ways baking soda can transform your yard and garden.
You’ll want to buy baking soda in bulk from now on!
1. Get rid of mildew
Mildew is a killer in the garden – literally. When humidity rises, mildew loves to call plants home, which can cause rot and spread across the entire garden. Put an end to mildew growth with a simple concoction – mix a tablespoon of baking soda and 2 and a half tablespoons of horticulture oil in one gallon of water. Then, put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray it on the plants in your garden.
2. Maintain and check the pH level in your soil
Sure, you could buy a soil testing kit from the local gardening or hardware store. Or you could just use some baking soda! The steps are simple: 1.) Place one cup of soil in a container and a second cup in another container 2) Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into one of the samples. If the soil bubbles, the soil has a pH over 7 – meaning it’s alkaline. 3.) If it didn’t bubble, pour the 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of water into the second sample. If the soil bubbles, your soil is below pH 7 – meaning it’s acidic.
3. No more anthills
Get rid of pesky anthills in your yard using just a few ingredients. Create a mixture of 5 teaspoons baking soda, 5 teaspoons powdered sugar, and a teaspoon of water. Pour the mixture on top of the anthill. The ants will be attracted to the sugar but the baking soda is toxic. You can add vinegar for extra potency.
4. Keep decor clean
Keep all of your garden decor sparkling like new with the help of baking soda. Create a mixture of baking soda and water then use a cloth with warm water to scrub and wash any figurines, planters, and decorations that have been exposed to the elements.
5. Make your tomatoes a little sweeter
Tomatoes tend to grow a bit sweeter in soil that is less acidic. Test your soil by using the tip above to see where your soil stands. If you need to make it a bit less acidic, just sprinkle baking soda on top. It will absorb into the soil and help you produce super tasty tomatoes.
6. Get rid of cabbage worms
Cabbage worms can wreak havoc on your garden – even if you don’t have cabbage! Get rid of them by making a mixture of equal parts flour and baking soda. Sprinkle the mixture over your garden and you won’t see those critter nibbling on your veggies any longer.
7. Help deodorize your compost
Compost piles and bins can become super stinky after a while. Thankfully, baking soda is here to help. Just sprinkle a light layer on top of the compost pile every now and again. It will help deodorize and regulate acidity levels. Just be careful not to use too much as it can slow down the composting process.
8. DIY pesticide
Keep chemicals out of your garden by using a homemade pesticide instead. Mix a tablespoon of olive oil, two tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of liquid soap into one gallon of water. Put the mixture into a spray bottle and spray on your garden every few days. It will keep all of those pesky pests away.
9. Eradicate fungi
Mushrooms are cool and sometimes really yummy but they can also kill our garden. Get rid of them by mixing 4 teaspoons of baking soda into one gallon of water. Use that mixture to water any infected areas of your garden. You won’t see any more fungi!
10. Dust your house plants
Your indoor garden needs love too! Keep your houseplants looking shiny, happy, and dust-free with this simple trick. Mix a little bit of baking soda with warm water and use a paper towel to wipe the leaves. Simple as that!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
