Sasha CampbellDo you sometimes use baking soda to remove bad smells from your fridge or room? Did you know that baking soda can also be used in gardening?
Baking soda has several possible uses in the garden. Gardeners use this simple household item for cleaning and to help manage some common garden problems.
How to Use Baking Soda in Your Garden
Below, we’ll look at some ways gardeners use baking soda.
1. Help Control Weeds
Baking soda can sometimes help control weeds growing in cracks between paving stones.
Sprinkle a small amount into the cracks where weeds grow. It may dry out and damage some weeds, but avoid using it near garden plants because it can harm them.
2. Test Soil pH
Baking soda can also be used in a DIY test to determine soil pH [1].
Put a small amount of the same soil in two separate containers. Add a small amount of vinegar to one sample. If it fizzes, the soil may be alkaline.
If there is no reaction, add a little water to the second sample. Then add some baking soda. If it fizzes, the soil may be acidic.
This test only gives a rough idea of your soil’s pH. For more accurate results, use a soil test kit or send a sample to a soil-testing laboratory.
3. Clean Garden Furniture
Mix ½ cup of baking soda, 1 gallon of warm water, and 1 tablespoon of liquid soap to make a cleaning solution.
Dip a sponge into the solution and gently scrub the item. Finally, rinse it off with clean water.
4. Help Reduce Compost Odors
One downside to home composting is that compost piles can develop bad smells.
Some gardeners use baking soda to help reduce mild compost odors, but addressing the source of the smell is usually better.
If you decide to try baking soda, use only a very small amount. Too much baking soda may affect the tiny organisms that help break down your compost.
If your compost smells very bad, adding dry leaves, straw, or shredded cardboard may help more than baking soda.
5. Slightly Raise Soil pH
Baking soda can raise soil pH, but it is not usually the best choice for treating acidic soil. Too much baking soda can increase the soil’s sodium content and harm plants.
Test your soil first. If your soil is too acidic, use a product made to raise soil pH.
6. Clean a Birdbath
Birdbaths can easily accumulate dirt and grime, but they can be cleaned with baking soda and water.
Sprinkle some baking soda inside the birdbath and scrub it with a brush or sponge. Baking soda may help loosen dirt and grime.
Rinse the birdbath thoroughly so that no baking soda remains in the water.
7. Clean Garden Decorations
Baking soda can help clean some garden decorations, such as ceramic ornaments and small statues.
Mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Gently rub the paste onto dirty areas with a soft cloth or sponge.
Rinse the item with clean water and let it dry.
Test the mixture on a small hidden area first, especially if the item has paint or a delicate finish.
8. Clean Garden Tools
Baking soda can help remove dirt and stains from your garden tools.
Mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Rub it onto dirty tools, then scrub with a brush or sponge.
Rinse the tools with clean water and dry them well.
9. Remove Stains From Garden Paths
Baking soda can also help clean stains from concrete paths, stepping stones, and other outdoor surfaces.
Sprinkle baking soda over the dirty area, add a little water, and scrub with a brush. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water.
10. Help Manage Some Fungal Problems
Some gardeners use a weak baking soda spray to help prevent or slow fungal problems, such as powdery mildew. It may help when the problem is just starting, but it will not cure every plant disease.
Always test the spray on a small part of the plant first. Too much baking soda can damage leaves.
11. Help Wash Fruits and Vegetables
Baking soda can help remove dirt from the surface of some fruits and vegetables.
Mix a small amount of baking soda with water. Gently rub the produce, then rinse it well with clean water.
Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
12. Help Remove Garden and Storage Odors
Baking soda can help absorb some unpleasant smells around the garden [2].
Sprinkle a small amount near areas where odors build up, such as garbage containers. You can also place an open container of baking soda in a shed or other storage area.
Baking soda will not remove the source of a bad smell, but it may help make the area smell fresher.
13. Help Deter Slugs
Some gardeners try using baking soda to deter slugs.
Baking soda may harm slugs that come into direct contact with it. However, it is not a good idea to spread large amounts around your garden.
Baking soda can increase soil sodium levels, which may harm plants. For this reason, it is better to use other slug-control methods.
14. Help Remove Moss From Outdoor Surfaces
Baking soda may help dry out some moss on outdoor surfaces.
Sprinkle a small amount over areas covered with moss. Allow it to sit for a while, then scrub and rinse the surface.
Avoid getting large amounts near grass or garden plants.
15. Clean Clay Pots
Baking soda can also help clean clay pots. To do this, make a paste with baking soda and water.
Gently scrub the paste onto your clay pots. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and rinse them with clean water.
This method may help remove some dirt and moss from the surface of clay pots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does baking soda make plants grow faster?
No. Baking soda does not act as a fertilizer.
Plants grow best with healthy soil, sunlight, water, and proper nutrients.
Can baking soda damage plants?
Yes. Using too much baking soda can change soil pH, leave salt buildup, and damage plant leaves.
Always use baking soda carefully. Avoid adding it to garden soil unless you have a specific reason and have tested the soil first.
A spray that is safe for one plant may damage another.
Can baking soda be used directly on plant leaves?
Baking soda can be used in some homemade sprays, but too much can damage leaves.
Always test a spray on a small part of the plant first. Wait to see how the plant reacts before spraying the whole plant.
Is baking soda safe for all garden plants?
No. Some plants may be sensitive to baking soda.
Always use small amounts. Test baking soda on a small area first before applying it around plants.
Takeaway
Baking soda is an inexpensive household item that gardeners can use in several ways.
When used carefully, baking soda can be a helpful tool for cleaning, managing some garden problems, and caring for outdoor spaces. However, it should always be used in small amounts, as excessive amounts can harm plants.
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