If you want to make sure your garden is growing healthy and vibrant, one of the best tools you can use is baking soda. It has many beneficial uses when it comes to gardening and helps ensure your plants are flourishing. This powerful baking staple is one of the most versatile and cost-effective products in your home to use in the garden.

Whether you're dealing with pests, fungal diseases, controlling soil pH levels, or just trying to promote healthier plant growth overall, it should be a tool of your gardening arsenal. Discover the amazing benefits of using baking soda in your garden!

Deter Rodents

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Baking soda is an effective and inexpensive way to deter rodents from destroying your plants. To use, simply pour a circle around the bottom of your plants.

Keep the baking soda a couple of inches away from your plants. Doing so helps ensure that no harm comes to the plant while deterring rabbits and other rodents from devouring them. Baking soda is a simple solution for protecting your plants without having to rely on costly pest control methods or chemical options.

Kill Weeds

Crabgrass

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The safety and effectiveness of baking soda make it an ideal choice for gardeners who want to keep their gardens free from pesky plants or weeds without using harsh chemicals.

To use it as a weed killer, wet the target weeds with water first. Then, sprinkle them with a heavy layer of baking soda on a bright, sunny day for maximum effect. It helps burn the plant leaves and prevents the weeds from being able to take in nourishment. Additionally, use baking soda as an effective pre-emergent herbicide to stop small weeds and seeds from popping up in your garden beds. Try this method to rid of weeds in your paths, walkways, or even driveways.

Be careful with the amount you use on your lawn or plants. A high concentration kills off any vegetation.

Plant Revitalizer

Wilted Yellow Flowers in a Field

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Baking soda can help revive heat-stressed or limp plants. To make a simple rejuvination solution, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of ammonia, and 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt into 1 gallon of water. Store the mixture in an airtight container.

When you're ready to use the solution, combine 1/4 cup of the mixture with 4 cups of water and apply it directly to your plants once a month and watch your plants perk up! This ratio is especially helpful for roses.

Odor Control for Your Compost

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Baking soda is a great tool for controlling odors in your compost. It absorbs moisture and neutralizes smells.

To use, simply sprinkle it over the top of your compost and mix it into the pile. Doing so creates an alkaline environment that prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria and fungi. Alternatively, add a tablespoon to a gallon of water and pour it over your compost.

Be careful not to overdo it as excess baking soda can disrupt the natural order of your compost. Instead, start with a small amount and add as needed.

Disease Deterrence and Control

powdery mildew on cucurbits

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Use this natural fungicide to prevent and even cure fungal infections such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and black spot. Baking soda works by changing the pH level of the leaf surface, making it difficult for disease-causing fungi to survive.

To use on your plants, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with one quart of water and a couple of drops of mild dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture onto the affected areas and reapply after a rainy day or until you see improvement.

Do not to apply it too heavily or else it may cause leaf burn. When using baking soda for plant disease prevention, use it in combination with other preventative measures such as removing affected leaves, pruning, and avoiding overhead watering.

Get Rid of Pests

Slug

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Use baking soda to get rid of ants, slugs, snails, and other insects that feed on plants. It works by creating an alkaline environment in which pests find unfavorable.

For slugs and snails, you can simply sprinkle baking soda around your plants using a sifter. You also have the option to mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1/3 cup of mustard oil to create a spray. You can use this mixture around pathways and around your plants to protect them. Just be sure not to spray your plants directly, only use this on the surrounding ground.

Decrease Soil Acidity

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When added to the soil, baking soda raises its pH level, making it more neutral or alkaline. It helps balance out overly acidic soils and makes them more hospitable for plants that thrive in neutral or slightly alkaline environments.

To use it for this purpose, simply sprinkle a handful over the surface of the soil and lightly work it into the top inch or two of dirt. Then water your plants as usual and allow them to take advantage of the improved environment. It may need to be reapplied periodically if you are dealing with extremely acidic soils.

Note that you should not use baking soda on all types of plants. For example, acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, or blueberries suffer if the soil's pH level rises too far above neutral. If you'd like to use this kitchen staple to decrease soil acidity, test the soil first.

Rise and Shine, It's Baking Soda Time!

Baking soda is a helpful and versatile tool for many gardeners. From deterring rodents to getting rid of pests, from killing weeds to reducing soil acidity, it helps you keep your garden healthy and thriving. With so many uses, it's easy to see why baking soda should be part of your gardening routine!

Leave a comment below if you have any questions or stories about using baking soda in gardening. Remember to share with friends and family so everyone reaps the benefits of this wonderful natural ingredient!