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Introduction
If you’re a gardener looking for a simple, natural, and inexpensive way to improve your garden’s health, you might be surprised by this little kitchen staple: baking soda. Beyond its common uses in cooking and cleaning, baking soda can be a powerful ally for your plants. This is a tip many gardeners keep to themselves, but we’re about to reveal why sprinkling a bit of baking soda in your garden can work wonders—from improving soil conditions to controlling pests and diseases.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
1 gallon (approximately 4 liters) of water
Optional: a few drops of mild liquid soap (for spray application)
Preparation
Soil Conditioner: Simply sprinkle baking soda lightly around the base of your plants and gently work it into the topsoil. Avoid over-application as too much can affect soil pH adversely.
Fungal Disease Spray: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 gallon of water. For better adhesion, add a few drops of mild liquid soap. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it on affected plants, focusing on leaves’ undersides and stems. This helps prevent and control powdery mildew and other fungal infections.
Pest Deterrent: Baking soda can deter certain pests like ants and aphids. Sprinkle lightly near ant trails or on aphid-infested leaves to discourage them.
Presentation and Storage Tips
Prepare only as much baking soda spray as you need; the solution is best used fresh and stored in a cool, dark place if not used immediately.
For soil application, store baking soda in a dry container to avoid clumping.
Spray early in the morning or late afternoon to prevent leaf burn from sun exposure.
Avoid applying baking soda spray right before rain to allow time for it to work.
Variation
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