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

Economical, edible, non-toxic, and biodegradable, baking soda is a product that is hard to find fault with. It serves multiple purposes and is indispensable in our daily lives. This versatile white powder can be used in cooking, cleaning, and even gardening.

Baking soda has proven itself effective in various applications, such as stain removal, teeth whitening, surface cleaning, and pesticide elimination. Its versatility extends to gardening, offering practical solutions for numerous reasons.

1. Deter Insects: Baking soda becomes your best ally in repelling garden-damaging insects. Say goodbye to chemical pesticides that harm your health and the environment, and opt for this eco-friendly white powder. Simply mix a liter of water, a tablespoon of olive oil, two tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of liquid soap in a spray bottle. Use this mixture every three days to keep insects at bay.
2. Eliminate Ants: If your garden and home are infested with ants, there’s no need to panic. Mix five teaspoons of baking soda with five teaspoons of confectioners’ sugar and one tablespoon of water. Locate the anthills and pour this mixture over them to bid farewell to those pesky ants.
3. Eradicate Cabbage Worms: Cabbage worms can hinder the healthy growth of your vegetable plants. To eliminate them, simply blend equal parts of flour and baking soda, then sprinkle this mixture on your cultivated plants. You won’t see those worms around for a while.
4. Clean Garden Decorations: Just as you’re aware of baking soda’s cleaning prowess in the kitchen and bathroom, your garden can benefit from it too. Sprinkle this white powder on all the decorative items in your garden and then wipe them with a damp cloth to restore their luster.
5. Leaf Care for Plants: Whether you have indoor or outdoor plants, they always appreciate some pampering. Provide them with a beauty session by wiping their leaves with a mixture of water and baking soda to give them a healthy and shiny appearance.
6. Enhance Vegetable Garden Flavor: If you’re an advocate of organic gardening, baking soda can help you grow healthier and more flavorful vegetables. For instance, by sprinkling a little baking soda on the soil around tomatoes, they’ll thrive in less acidic soil, resulting in juicier and sweeter tomatoes.
7. Watering Flowers: To nourish the flowers in your garden, consider adding a bit of baking soda to your watering can. You’ll soon notice that your flowers become more vibrant and healthier.
8. Prolong Flower Lifespan: If you enjoy having bouquets of roses or flowers at home, you can enhance their appearance and extend their lifespan by placing them in a vase of water with a pinch of salt and baking soda.
9. Combat Fungus and Mold: In areas with high humidity, fungi may grow on plants. Baking soda’s fungicidal properties come to the rescue. A study has also confirmed its effectiveness against yeasts, dermatophytes, and molds. Simply spray a mixture of water and baking soda on the affected areas to eliminate the problem.
10. Weed Control: Weeds often find their way into the cracks of your garden path. To address this issue, simply apply a thick paste made from baking soda to the area. This will bid farewell to the unsightly weeds that mar the appearance of your garden.