You probably have at least one packet of baking soda, which helps with both cooking and cleaning surfaces in the home. Baking soda has the ability to disinfect, eliminate odors and clean stubborn stains, but beyond the kitchen we can use it in gardening.
It is used to control pests, weeds, and foliar diseases, and it also improves soil pH levels and helps revive ruined plants. Here are 4 easy and healthy ways to use baking soda in your garden.
1. Against pests
Baking soda is a natural pesticide that helps get rid of intruders without the use of toxic chemicals. The use of strong detergents contributes significantly to environmental pollution, so it is recommended to try some simple and effective solutions.
Fungi: To fight fungal diseases on plant leaves, you can use an organic solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/3 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1 cup of water. Mist the affected plants every few days until the problem is gone.
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 3.5 liters of water. Spray the area every 3 days to repel insects and prevent them from returning.
Ants: When new ants appear in your garden, mix 5 teaspoons of powdered sugar with the same amount of baking soda and sprinkle over the anthill. Ants eat sugar, but they also swallow soda, which is destructive to them. Add 1 teaspoon of water to the mixture to slightly moisten, and after removing the lint, sprinkle with vinegar, which is also a natural pesticide.
Snails: Protect plants from snails by sprinkling baking soda on the soil around them. It is important not to spray the leaves and stems directly to avoid causing burns.
Cabbage Worms: These pests can be a nightmare, but you can save your crop by treating them with a homemade pesticide made from equal parts baking soda and flour. Sprinkle on cabbage leaves, and for the most reliable result, repeat the procedure 2 or 3 times.
2. To enhance the growth of flowers and tomatoes.
The flowers grow very well in alkaline soils. Encourage them to bloom by adding a little baking soda to irrigation water or vase water to help the flowers take longer to separate. You can also use it to fertilize the soil of dull, slow-growing, or refreshing-friendly plants. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts, 1/2 teaspoon of ammonia, and 3.5 liters of water. Use the solution to stimulate plants that need a snack.
Tomatoes are also good for reducing soil acidity, so you can sprinkle baking soda on the soil around the roots. Its absorption causes the acidic pH to drop, causing tomatoes to taste sweeter.
3. Against weeds and grasses
If you have unwanted grass growing between tiles, around walls, and around garden furniture, dry them with baking soda. It is especially effective in destroying young weeds, as well as as a preventive measure against their appearance. Mix baking soda with water and apply a thick layer to unwanted grass and spaces between tiles.
4. Get rid of the smell of compost.
Compost is a great natural way to enrich and nourish the soil, but it can sometimes become a source of odors. To solve this problem, sprinkle baking soda on top of your organic waste pile because it has the ability to absorb unwanted odors.
