Baking soda can be a surprisingly helpful tool for your garden, and a lot of gardeners don’t talk about it as much as they should! Here are a few ways you can use it to boost your garden’s health:
1. Neutralize Soil pH
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If your soil is too acidic, a little bit of baking soda can help balance it out. Just sprinkle a small amount around your plants and work it into the soil. It can help raise the pH to a more neutral level, which many plants prefer.
2. Combat Fungal Diseases
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Baking soda is great for preventing fungal growth on plants, like powdery mildew. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water and spray it on your plants. It creates an environment that’s harder for fungi to thrive in. Just make sure to test it on a small patch first to check for any sensitivity!
3. Improve Flowering and Fruiting
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Some gardeners use baking soda to encourage better blooms and fruit production. By sprinkling it around the base of plants like tomatoes, it can help sweeten the soil and promote healthy growth.
4. Repel Pests
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Baking soda can also act as a mild pesticide, repelling pests like ants, slugs, and even some insects. It’s much safer for your plants compared to harsh chemicals and doesn’t harm the soil.
5. Clean Garden Tools
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Over time, garden tools can accumulate dirt, sap, and other residues. Baking soda is great for scrubbing away these gunk buildup without harming the metal or other materials. Just make a paste with water and scrub away!
6. Control Weeds
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A sprinkle of baking soda on weed-infested areas can help control weed growth, especially between cracks in walkways or patios. It can dehydrate them and stop them from spreading.