{"id":32043,"date":"2024-09-04T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/?p=32043"},"modified":"2024-08-22T12:13:24","modified_gmt":"2024-08-22T11:13:24","slug":"baking-soda-for-plants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/baking-soda-for-plants\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Baking Soda Actually Good For Your Plants?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Baking soda is often talked about as a bit of a garden hero. Some people say it can help with things like powdery mildew on tomatoes or even work as a natural weed killer. But is there any real science behind these claims, or are they just garden myths?<\/em><\/p>

In this post, we\u2019re going to dive into how baking soda actually affects plants and whether it\u2019s really safe and useful for your garden. We\u2019ll also take a look at some common ways people use it and what can happen if you go overboard with it.<\/em><\/p>

What does baking soda do in your garden?<\/h2>

In the garden, baking soda has a lot of potential uses, from stopping diseases to killing weeds. Here\u2019s a closer look at how it impacts different aspects of gardening:<\/em><\/p>

Preventing powdery mildew<\/h3>

Scientists at Cornell University discovered<\/a> that baking soda can help prevent powdery mildew on vine crops and roses. It works by making the environment too alkaline for the fungus to thrive.

If you want to give it a try, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a gallon of water and a teaspoon of insecticidal soap or light plant oil. Spray this mixture on your plants as soon as you spot the first signs of mildew, and repeat every 7 to 10 days. But keep in mind, baking soda is great at stopping new mildew, but it won\u2019t fix plants that are already infected.<\/p>

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Killing weeds<\/h3>

Baking soda can also double as a non-selective weed killer. It dries out weeds because of its high salt content, which can be lethal to plants if used in large amounts.

To use it, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon directly onto the weeds after you\u2019ve wetted them down, or mix it with water and spray it on the leaves. This method works especially well between paving stones, but be careful\u2014it can harm nearby plants and grass if you\u2019re not precise.<\/p>

Freshening compost piles<\/h3>

There\u2019s a common belief that baking soda helps eliminate odours in compost piles. While it does neutralise acidic smells (think rancid butter), it doesn\u2019t do much for other kinds of odours. If your compost pile is getting smelly, a better fix is to add dry leaves or straw. These materials absorb moisture and help cut down on unpleasant smells more effectively than baking soda.<\/p>

The impact of baking soda on different plants<\/h2>

Baking soda is generally safe for many plants, but it can cause problems if you use too much. Plants need a little bit of sodium, but too much can be harmful. If there\u2019s an excess, you might notice your plants starting to droop, or their growth slowing down.<\/p>

Before using baking soda on your plants, it\u2019s a good idea to check how much sodium each plant can handle. Plants that love acidic soil, like azaleas and blueberries<\/a>, are more likely to react negatively if you use baking soda on them, so it\u2019s best to be cautious.<\/p>

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