Baking Soda In The Garden: Good or Bad?

Baking soda can be a useful tool in your gardening arsenal. While it may not possess all the mystical powers attributed to it, baking soda's practical applications are good to know. In this guide, we'll delve into the science behind baking soda, debunk some myths, and explore its various uses in the garden.

Understanding Baking Soda: A Chemistry Lesson

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), is a salt that readily dissolves in water. When it comes into contact with moisture, it breaks down into sodium ions and bicarbonate ions. While bicarbonate ions are harmless and can be found in all living systems, an excess of sodium can be toxic to plants. Therefore, it's important to use baking soda in moderation and with caution.

Debunking Common Myths: What Baking Soda Can't Do

Myth 1: Baking Soda Kills Insects

While some DIY insecticide recipes include baking soda, it's important to note that other ingredients, such as neem oil or horticultural oil, are typically responsible for killing the insects. Baking soda itself does not have significant insecticidal properties. Spraying a plant with a baking soda solution may not effectively prevent insect damage. 

Myth 2: Baking Soda Cures Fungal Diseases

It's true that baking soda can limit the growth of powdery mildew, a common fungal disease. However, it does not cure an infected plant. Baking soda raises the pH of the leaf surface, making it less hospitable for the fungus. While laboratory studies have shown some effectiveness, field tests have yielded poor results. 

Myth 3: Baking Soda Increases Blooms

Contrary to popular belief, adding baking soda to the soil does not increase the number of blooms on plants. The claim that baking soda stimulates blooming stems from a misunderstanding of its chemical properties. While sodium is an essential nutrient for plants, they require only trace amounts. The addition of baking soda, which contains sodium, does not significantly impact plant health or flower production. Factors such as genetics and environmental conditions play a more significant role in flower development.

Myth 4: Baking Soda Kills Weeds

Dumping handfuls of baking soda on weeds may sound like a simple and natural weed killer, but it can have unintended consequences. Baking soda contains sodium, which can be toxic to plants, including desirable ones. Also, sodium is highly soluble in water, meaning it can wash into surrounding soil and harm non-target plants or contaminate waterways. 

Practical Uses for Baking Soda in the Garden

Use 1: Soil Testing and pH Adjustment

One of the most reliable uses for baking soda in the garden is as a tool for testing soil pH. By conducting a simple baking soda soil test, you can determine whether your soil is acidic or alkaline. While this test does not provide precise pH measurements, it can give you a general idea of your soil's acidity level. To perform the test, collect soil samples from different areas of your garden, then follow these steps:

1. Place a small amount of soil in separate containers.
2. Add water to each container and mix until the soil is thoroughly saturated.
3. Sprinkle baking soda over the soil-water mixture.
4. Observe any fizzing or bubbling. Baking soda reacts with acidic soil, producing carbon dioxide gas and indicating low pH levels.
5. Repeat the test with additional soil samples to confirm your results.

Keep in mind that this test is not a substitute for professional soil testing, but it can provide a helpful initial assessment of your soil's pH. 

Use 2: Cleaning and Deodorizing

Baking soda's cleaning properties extend beyond the kitchen. In the garden, it can be used to clean various surfaces, tools, and even plants. 

Baking soda can help remove dirt, grease, and rust from your tools, keeping them in top condition. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water, then apply it to your tools using a brush or cloth. Scrub the surfaces thoroughly, paying attention to any areas with stubborn stains or rust. Rinse the tools with water and dry them properly before storing to prevent rusting.

Baking soda can help neutralize the odors  of a compost pile and improve the composting process. Sprinkling a thin layer of baking soda over your compost pile can absorb volatile acids and reduce unpleasant smells. While baking soda is not a cure-all for compost odors, it can provide some relief.