Baking soda promotes blooming. Here’s why you want to stock up on it + 10 top baking soda hacks for the garden

Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a gallon of water and use it to water begonias weekly. The solution helps create a more alkaline environment, which encourages more vibrant and frequent blooming.

Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda around the base of hydrangeas to raise soil pH and bring out more intense pink or blue hues, depending on the variety and your soil’s mineral content.

Geraniums love slightly alkaline soil. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to your watering can once a month to promote fuller growth and brighter flowers.

Create a natural fungicide by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 1 gallon of water. Spray on susceptible plants like squash, cucumbers, and roses to prevent or treat powdery mildew.

Dust a light coating of baking soda around cabbage, broccoli, or lettuce plants to deter slugs and cabbage worms. Reapply after rain or watering.

Scrub your garden tools with a paste of baking soda and water to remove dirt and sap, reduce rust, and keep them sanitized for the next use.

If your compost pile starts to smell overly sour or rotten, sprinkle in a bit of baking soda. It helps neutralize strong odors and balance acidity for a healthier compost process.

Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a few drops of dish soap in a quart of water. Spray weekly on rose leaves to help prevent and manage black spot fungus.

Yellow leaves may indicate overly acidic soil. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a quart of water and apply around the base of the plant to gently raise pH and restore leaf color.

Sprinkle baking soda directly into cracks between pavers or along garden paths to help inhibit weed growth. It’s a safer alternative to chemical herbicides.

Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the vase water for your fresh-cut flowers. This helps maintain a better pH balance, reducing bacterial growth and keeping blooms fresher longer.

Baking soda is a powerhouse of versatility, offering solutions for a wide array of household challenges. Its natural, non-toxic properties make it an ideal choice for those seeking environmentally friendly alternatives. Whether you’re enhancing your garden, cleaning your home, or caring for your skin, baking soda proves to be an invaluable asset. Stocking up on this humble compound ensures you’re always prepared to tackle everyday tasks with ease and efficiency.