If you thought baking soda was just for cookies or cleaning, think again! This humble kitchen staple has been a trusted gardening hack for generations — and for good reason. It’s safe, natural, affordable, and incredibly versatile.
Here are 10 brilliant ways to put baking soda to work in your garden today:
1. Natural Fungicide
Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 gallon of water, and a few drops of dish soap. Spray on roses, tomatoes, grapes — anywhere you’re battling powdery mildew or fungal spots.
2. Sweeten Your Tomatoes
Sprinkle a bit of baking soda around the base of tomato plants. It lowers soil acidity, giving you sweeter, richer-tasting tomatoes — naturally!
3. Weed Control (No Harsh Chemicals!)
Sprinkle directly into cracks on patios, sidewalks, and paths. Baking soda dries out small weeds without harming nearby plants.
4. Pest Deterrent
Create a barrier around your plants with baking soda to keep out ants, slugs, and roaches. Most pests can’t stand the stuff!
5. Quick Soil pH Test
Curious if your soil is acidic? Dampen the soil and sprinkle baking soda on top. If it fizzes, your soil is acidic — and you’ve just run a free soil test!
6. Deodorize Your Compost
Sprinkle a handful of baking soda into your compost pile to reduce smells without disrupting decomposition. A lifesaver for small-space gardeners!
7. Clean Garden Tools
Mix baking soda and water into a gentle scrubbing paste to remove rust and grime. Your tools will thank you — and last longer too.
8. Remove Strong Odors from Hands
After digging, planting, or fertilizing, rub hands with baking soda and water to eliminate stubborn smells like onion, garlic, or compost.
9. Keep Cut Flowers Fresh
Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to vase water. It helps cut flowers stay vibrant and lively longer!
10. Deter Curious Rabbits
Lightly dust around plants rabbits tend to nibble. Most rabbits will avoid the smell and texture of baking soda — a gentle, chemical-free deterrent.
Final Thoughts
I’ve personally used #3 and #6 for years — and they never fail me! Whether you’re a new gardener or a seasoned green thumb, baking soda is one of those timeless tricks that just works.
Budget-friendly. Chemical-free. Amazingly effective.
Try one (or all!) of these tips in your garden — and see the magic for yourself.
