Baking soda is a ubiquitous household ingredient, used most commonly in baking. By reacting with acids in a batter, baking soda releases C02 and causes the batter to become light and aerated.
However, the unassuming white powder has myriad uses beyond just making delicious treats. It can be effectively used in cleaning, medicine and, interestingly, in the garden.
Here are 6 useful ways to use baking soda in your garden:
- A non-toxic fungicide
Mix 1 teaspoon with 1 litre of water and use on black spot fungus on roses as well on fruit like grapes and other vine plants when the fruits first appear - A Powdery Mildew Preventative
Combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 table spoon of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid in 4 litres of water. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture and spray at risk plants weekly. Only apply the spray on overcast days or out of the direct sun in order to give the liquid time to try and avoid leaf burn. - Discourage gnats in soil and fungus on leaves
Mix 1 litre of water with 1 tsp of baking soda and a quarter teaspoon biodegradable soap. Mix thoruoughly and spray infected foliage and effected soil as needed.\ - Discourage weeds
Pour or sweep baking soda into cracks in sidewalks and patios. The baking soda should prevent weeds from developing and also kill any small weeds that may have sprouted - Kill Cabbage Worms
Mix equal parts flour and baking soda and brush the leafs of plants effected by cabbage worms (typically the brassica family- cabbage, broccoli, Kale). The worms will chew the treated leafs and die in a few days. Repeat every few days until the cabbage worms are taken care of. - Cleaning Your hands
After a busy day tending your garden, clean your hands by rubbing and scrubbing wet hands with baking soda.
