When I first stumbled upon the idea of using baking soda in my garden, I was sceptical. Baking soda? In the garden? Surely, that’s just something you use in the kitchen! But the more I read, the more intrigued I became. And as any gardener knows, trying new tricks is part of the fun! So, armed with a box of baking soda, I headed out to experiment. To my surprise, this humble household item became a real game-changer in how I tend to my plants.
Now, it’s become one of my go-to garden helpers, and I can’t imagine being without it. So, here are the seven clever ways I’ve used baking soda in my gardening routine, each one tested and loved.
1. Fungal Fighter for Your Plants
One of my first discoveries was baking soda’s ability to combat fungal diseases. My poor rose bushes were always plagued with powdery mildew, and no matter what I tried, it seemed to come back every season. Then, I mixed 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of liquid soap and about a litre of water, sprayed it on the affected leaves, and voilà! The powdery mildew cleared up faster than I could have hoped.
I now use this mixture preventatively on any plant that seems prone to fungal issues—especially my cucumbers and squash. It’s such a relief to have a natural, non-toxic solution that I can mix up at a moment’s notice.
2. Sweetening Tomatoes for a Tastier Harvest
I love growing tomatoes, but some seasons, they can taste a bit too tangy or acidic. Then I read that sprinkling a small amount of baking soda around the base of the plant can actually help neutralise the acidity in the soil. I was sceptical, but what did I have to lose?
After giving it a try last summer, I was blown away by the results. My tomatoes had a much sweeter, balanced flavour, and they were some of the best I’d ever grown. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t tasted the difference for myself.
3. A Natural Weed Killer for Paved Areas
Let’s be honest—one of the least fun parts of gardening is dealing with weeds. I used to spend hours pulling weeds out from between the cracks of my garden path. But then, I discovered that baking soda is a fantastic weed killer for those pesky cracks and crevices.
All I do now is sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda into the cracks, and the weeds start to dry out within a week. It’s especially great for small areas where I don’t want to use harsh chemical weed killers. Plus, it’s pet-safe, so I don’t have to worry about my dog wandering through the garden afterwards.
4. Dealing with Ants the Non-Toxic Way
Ants can be a real nuisance in the garden, especially when they decide to make a home right near my plants. I’d rather not use harsh insecticides, so when I learned that baking soda could help with ant control, I was eager to try it.
Mixing equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar does the trick. The sugar attracts the ants, while the baking soda takes care of the problem. I scatter the mixture around the areas where ants seem to congregate, and after a few days, they’re gone. No chemicals, no fuss—just an easy solution that keeps my garden ant-free.
5. Reviving My Garden Tools
I love my garden tools, but after a long season of hard use, they often end up looking a bit worse for wear. Rust, dirt, and sap build-up can really take a toll on them. One rainy afternoon, I decided to try cleaning my tools with a baking soda paste, made by mixing baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste.
I scrubbed my tools with an old toothbrush and was amazed at how easily the grime came off. The rust even lifted off with a bit of elbow grease. Now, I make it a habit to clean my tools with baking soda at the end of every gardening season—it keeps them in good shape and ready for next year’s work.
6. Test Your Soil’s Acidity
Here’s a neat trick I learned when I wanted to test my garden’s soil pH without buying an expensive kit. Baking soda, it turns out, can help you figure out if your soil is too acidic. All you need is some vinegar and baking soda.
Sprinkle some baking soda over a patch of damp soil. If it fizzes, it means the soil is too acidic, and you might need to add lime to balance it out. If there’s no reaction, the soil is likely neutral or alkaline. This simple test has helped me figure out what my plants need without any guesswork—and it’s saved me from unnecessary purchases at the garden centre.
7. Keeping Slugs and Snails at Bay
Slugs and snails were the bane of my garden for years, especially when they started devouring my hostas and lettuce. I’d tried all sorts of methods to keep them away, but nothing really worked for long. Then, I read that baking soda could be used as a deterrent.
Now, whenever I see slugs or snails, I sprinkle a light dusting of baking soda around the affected plants. It creates a barrier they don’t like to cross, and while it’s not a permanent solution, it certainly helps keep their numbers down. Plus, it’s a much gentler option compared to the harsh slug pellets I used in the past.
Final Thoughts: A Gardener’s New Best Friend
Who knew that a simple box of baking soda could do so much in the garden? I certainly didn’t when I first started experimenting with it. Now, it’s one of my favourite go-to tools—not only because it’s cheap and easy to find but because it’s so effective.
Whether you’re dealing with pests, trying to sweeten your tomatoes, or just keeping your garden tools in top shape, baking soda is a surprising little helper. I love finding natural, non-toxic ways to garden, and this has been one of my best discoveries yet. Give these tricks a try in your own garden, and I’m sure you’ll be just as amazed as I was!