Baking soda is a gardener’s best friend: here are 10 clever uses in the garden.
1. Natural Fungicide: Mix baking soda with water and liquid soap to spray on plants and combat fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
2. Weed Killer: Directly apply baking soda on garden weeds to kill them without harming surrounding plants.
3. Pest Deterrent: A mixture of baking soda and flour can deter pests like cabbage worms and aphids when dusted on plants.
4. Soil Amendment: Baking soda can be used to neutralize overly acidic soil, improving the environment for plant growth.
5. Tomato Sweetener: Sprinkle baking soda around tomato plants to decrease soil acidity, resulting in sweeter tomatoes.
6. Compost Enhancer: Speed up the composting process by making the environment more alkaline with baking soda.
7. Odor Absorber: Neutralize odors in areas like compost bins by sprinkling baking soda.
8. Tool Cleaner: Clean gardening tools by scrubbing them with a baking soda paste to remove dirt and rust.
9. Seed Germination: Enhance seed germination by soaking seeds in a baking soda solution before planting.
10. Ant Repellent: Deter ants by creating barriers with baking soda around plants or ant trails.