You probably have at least one pack of baking soda, which helps both in cooking and in cleaning surfaces around the house. Soda has the ability to disinfect, eliminate odors and clean stubborn stains, but in addition to the kitchen, we can also use it in garden maintenance.
It is used to control pests, weeds and foliar diseases, as well as to improve soil pH and revive decayed plants. Here are 4 easy and healthy ways to use baking soda for garden care.
1. Pest control
Baking soda is a natural pesticide that helps get rid of invaders without the use of toxic chemicals. The use of harsh cleaning products seriously contributes to environmental pollution, so it is recommended to try some simple and effective solutions.
Fungus: To combat fungal diseases on the leaves of plants, you can use an organic solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/3 teaspoon of olive oil and 1 cup of water. Spray the affected plants every few days until the problem disappears.
Insects: A similar natural spray can be used against insect infestations. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a few drops of liquid soap and 1 gallon of water. Spray the area every 3 days to repel insects and prevent their return.
Ants: When new ants appear in the garden, mix 5 teaspoons of powdered sugar with the same amount of baking soda and sprinkle it on the anthill. Ants eat sugar, but they also swallow soda, which is disastrous for them. Add 1 teaspoon of water to the prepared mixture to help moisturize it and, after removing the fluff, sprinkle with vinegar, which is also a natural pesticide.
Slugs: Protect plants from slugs by sprinkling baking soda on the soil around them. It is important not to spray it directly onto the leaves and stems to avoid causing burns.
Cabbage worms: These pests can be a real nightmare, but you can save your crop by dealing with them with a homemade pesticide made from equal parts baking soda and flour. Sprinkle it on the cabbage leaves and repeat the process 2-3 times to get a reliable result.
2. To promote the growth of flowers and tomatoes.
The flowers grow very well in alkaline soil. Encourage them to bloom by adding a little baking soda to the watering water or to the water in the vase to keep the flowers separated. You can also use it to fertilize the soil of dull, slow-growing or plants in need of a refresh. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ammonia and 3.5 liters of water. Use the solution to stimulate plants in need of a refresh.
Tomatoes are also good at reducing soil acidity, so you can sprinkle the soil around the roots with soda. Its absorption leads to a lowering of the acidic pH, which gives tomatoes a sweeter taste.
3. Against weeds and grasses
If unwanted grass has formed between the tiles, around the walls and garden furniture, dry them with baking soda. It is particularly effective in destroying young weeds and as a preventative measure against their appearance. Mix baking soda with water and apply a thick layer to the unwanted grass and the spaces between the tiles.
4. Get rid of the smell of compost.
Compost is a great natural way to enrich and nourish soil, but it can sometimes become a source of odor. To solve this problem, sprinkle a pile of organic waste with baking soda, as it has the ability to absorb unwanted odors.
