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Baking Soda in the Garden: 10 Smart Uses + DIY Fertilizer for Fruit Trees

Baking Soda in the Garden: 10 Smart Uses + DIY Fertilizer for Fruit Trees

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Baking Soda in the Garden: 10 Smart Uses + DIY Fertilizer for Fruit Trees

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is more than just a kitchen staple—it’s a powerful, non-toxic helper in the garden. From pest control to enhancing the sweetness of fruit, this inexpensive item can help you cultivate a healthier, more productive garden. In this article, we’ll explore 10 smart uses of baking soda in the garden and share a simple DIY fertilizer recipe for your fruit trees.

10 Smart Uses of Baking Soda in the Garden

1. Natural Fungicide for Plants

Baking soda helps combat fungal diseases like powdery mildew and black spot on leaves. Mix:

  • 1 tablespoon of baking soda
  • 1 gallon of water
  • Optional: a few drops of liquid soap (not detergent)

Spray on affected plants weekly. The solution alters the leaf surface pH, making it less hospitable to fungi.

2. Antifungal for Soil

Before planting, sprinkle baking soda lightly on the soil surface to help prevent fungal growth in moist conditions. It’s especially useful for starting seedlings.

3. Weed Killer (Non-Grassy Areas)

For cracks in pavement or walkways, sprinkle baking soda directly to kill small weeds. Avoid use near grass or plants you want to keep—baking soda can harm them in high concentrations.

4. Sweeten Tomatoes

Tomatoes grown in slightly alkaline soil tend to be sweeter. Lightly sprinkle baking soda around the base of tomato plants (not on the plant itself) to reduce acidity in the soil and improve flavor.

5. Pest Deterrent

Dust a mixture of baking soda and flour (50/50) around plants to deter cabbage worms and other chewing pests. It’s safe and non-toxic to beneficial insects when used sparingly.

6. Clean Garden Tools

Make a paste of baking soda and water to scrub dirt and sap from tools. It’s a mild abrasive that removes grime without rusting the metal.

7. Compost Deodorizer

Sprinkle a handful of baking soda into your compost pile to neutralize odors and help balance acidity. It won’t harm the microbial activity when used moderately.

8. Freshen Garden Pots

To eliminate musty smells and residue in clay or plastic pots, wash them with a baking soda solution (2 tablespoons per quart of water). Rinse thoroughly before reuse.

9. Test Soil pH

While not as accurate as lab kits, you can do a basic pH test:

  • Add soil to a container, moisten with water.
  • Sprinkle baking soda on top.
    If it fizzes, your soil is acidic (below 7 pH).

10. Repel Slugs

Create a barrier around plants with a line of baking soda. Slugs dislike crossing it due to its drying effect. Use carefully, as contact can damage soft-stemmed plants.

DIY Fertilizer for Fruit Trees Using Baking Soda

Here’s a simple, natural fertilizer mix to feed your fruit trees and boost productivity:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ammonia (optional, as a nitrogen source)
  • 1 gallon of water