Put baking soda in your garden. Here's why. This is something gardeners will never tell you

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that brings joy, beauty, and sometimes even food to our lives. However, maintaining a healthy garden can be a challenge, especially when dealing with pests, diseases, and soil issues. Many gardeners turn to chemical solutions, but there's a natural, versatile, and inexpensive alternative that you might already have in your kitchen: baking soda.

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a common household product known for its cleaning and deodorizing properties. But its uses extend far beyond the kitchen and bathroom. In the garden, baking soda can be a powerful ally, helping to control pests, balance soil pH, and even enhance the health and appearance of your plants. Here's why you should consider adding baking soda to your gardening toolkit.

Baking soda can be an effective natural pest control solution. It works by disrupting the pH balance of the pests' bodies, ultimately leading to their demise. To create a simple pest control spray, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Spray this mixture on your plants to deter aphids, spider mites, and other common garden pests. Be sure to apply the spray in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid leaf burn from the sun.

Fungal diseases like powdery mildew can wreak havoc on your plants, but baking soda can help. Its alkaline nature creates an environment that is inhospitable to fungi. To make a fungicide spray, dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water and add a few drops of liquid soap to help it adhere to the leaves. Spray the affected plants thoroughly, ensuring coverage on both sides of the leaves. Repeat every 7 to 10 days until the fungus is under control.

Baking soda can be used to raise the pH of acidic soil, making it more alkaline. This is particularly beneficial for plants that prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soil, such as lavender and clematis. To test your soil's pH, mix a small amount of soil with water and add a pinch of baking soda. If it fizzes, your soil is acidic. To adjust the pH, sprinkle baking soda lightly over the soil and water it in. Be cautious not to overapply, as too much alkalinity can harm your plants.

Weeds can be a persistent problem in any garden, but baking soda offers a simple solution. Its high sodium content can dehydrate and kill small weeds. To use baking soda as a weed suppressant, wet the weeds and sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over them, focusing on the leaves and stems. This method works best on small, young weeds and should be used with caution around desirable plants, as it can affect their growth as well.

Baking soda can help manage the odor and acidity of your compost pile, promoting a more balanced decomposition process. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over your compost pile to neutralize odors and reduce acidity. However, use it sparingly, as too much baking soda can slow down the composting process by making the environment too alkaline for beneficial microbes.

Unpleasant odors in the garden can be a nuisance, especially in areas with poor drainage or around compost piles. Baking soda can help neutralize these odors. Simply sprinkle baking soda on the soil or affected area and let it sit for a few hours before watering it in. This will help absorb and neutralize the odors, leaving your garden smelling fresh.

Baking soda can contribute to overall plant health by reducing the risk of fungal infections and improving soil conditions. Regular application of a baking soda spray can help prevent fungal diseases, while its use as a soil amendment can improve nutrient availability. For a general plant health spray, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 quart of water and spray it on your plants every few weeks.

Keeping your garden tools clean is essential for preventing the spread of diseases. Baking soda is an excellent cleaning agent for removing dirt and rust from tools. Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to your tools, and scrub with a brush. Rinse thoroughly and dry to prevent rusting. This simple cleaning routine will extend the life of your tools and keep your garden healthy.

Baking soda can enhance the color of certain flowers by altering the soil's pH. For example, hydrangeas can change color based on the soil's acidity. To encourage pink blooms, which thrive in alkaline conditions, sprinkle baking soda around the base of the plant and water it in. This will gradually raise the soil's pH, promoting vibrant pink flowers.

Ants can be a nuisance in the garden, but baking soda offers a safe and non-toxic repellent. Mix equal parts of baking soda and powdered sugar and sprinkle it around ant trails and nests. The sugar attracts the ants, while the baking soda disrupts their digestive systems. This method is safe for use around children and pets, making it an ideal solution for family gardens.

Slugs can cause significant damage to plants, but baking soda provides an eco-friendly deterrent. Sprinkle a thin line of baking soda around the base of plants vulnerable to slug damage. The abrasive texture and alkaline nature of baking soda deter slugs from crossing the barrier, protecting your plants without the need for harmful chemicals. Reapply after rain or heavy watering to maintain effectiveness.