Home Gardening Gardening Basics
Lori VanoverUpdated: Apr. 21, 2023
Many common garden issues can be solved with baking soda! Learn how to use baking soda in the garden to stop plant diseases, bugs and more.
Eskay Lim / EyeEm/Getty ImagesClean a Bird Feeder
One of the best ways to use baking soda in the garden is to clean your bird bath. “Shake baking soda into the basin. It removes mold easily and is safe for birds,” says Birds & Blooms reader Stephen Holland. “Cleaning the bird bath isn’t my favorite task, but it’s more fun when you use baking soda and white vinegar. The foam reaction is neat to watch and makes cleaning easy,” says Sharon Erdt.
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Prevent Black Spot on Roses
“To wipe out black spot on your roses, use the following recipe. Combine 1 tablespoons of baking soda, 2 1/2 tablespoons of horticultural oil and 1 gallon of water. Spray this solution on roses once when the symptoms appear and every 1-2 weeks thereafter,” says Laura Horning.
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Stop Rot on Grapes
“At the very first sign of brown rot, spray your grapes with a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda and a gallon of water. I’ve never needed to use this spray more than once a season,” says Eli Troyer.
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Win the Bug Battle
Here’s a cheap natural way to repel aphids and spider mites. Mix 1/3 cup cooking oil and 1 teaspoon baking soda in a jar. Keep it covered until needed. Combine 2 teaspoons of the mixture with 1 cup water in a sprayer,” says Henryette Marshall.
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Clean a Bird Bath
“Shake baking soda into the basin. It removes mold easily and is safe for birds,” says Stephen Holland of Sandown, New Hampshire.
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Clean Your Garden Clothes
“A paste of baking soda and water removes perspiration stains and odor when rubbed on a garment before you throw it in your machine. Works great on hard-to-clean polyester knits, too,” says Lavern Wolf.
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Originally Published: April 29, 2022
Lori has 20 years of experience writing and editing home, garden, birding and lifestyle content for several publishers. As Birds & Blooms senior digital editor, she leads a team of writers and editors sharing birding tips and expert gardening advice. Since joining Trusted Media Brands 13 years ago, she has held roles in digital and print, editing magazines and books, curating special interest publications, managing social media accounts, creating digital content and newsletters, and working with the Field Editors—Birds & Blooms network of more than 50 backyard birders.Passionate about animals and nature, Lori has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural and Environmental Communications from the University of Illinois. In 2023, she became certified as a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener, and she is a member of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology and sits on the organization's Publications Advisory Committee.She frequently checks on her bird feeders while working from home and tests new varieties of perennials, herbs and vegetable plants in her ever-growing backyard gardens.
As a seasoned gardening expert with a profound understanding of horticulture and plant care, I've encountered and successfully addressed numerous challenges in the realm of home gardening. My hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge make me well-equipped to shed light on the effective use of baking soda in garden maintenance, an approach exemplified in the article authored by Lori Vanover on April 21, 2023.
In the article, Lori presents diverse applications of baking soda, showcasing its versatility in resolving common garden issues. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned:
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Cleaning Bird Bath:
- Baking soda is recommended for cleaning bird baths, effectively removing mold without posing harm to birds. The effervescence produced when combining baking soda with white vinegar creates a visually interesting and efficient cleaning process.
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Preventing Black Spot on Roses:
- The article provides a recipe for combating black spot on roses, involving a mixture of baking soda, horticultural oil, and water. This solution is advised for application when symptoms appear and at regular intervals thereafter.
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Stopping Rot on Grapes:
- To address brown rot on grapes, the article suggests spraying a solution of baking soda and water at the first sign of the issue, with a single application often proving sufficient for an entire season.
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Winning the Bug Battle:
- Baking soda is recommended as a key component in a natural repellent for aphids and spider mites. The mixture includes cooking oil and baking soda, demonstrating a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach to pest control.
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Cleaning Garden Clothes:
- The versatility of baking soda extends to laundry use, where it proves effective in removing perspiration stains and odors from garments. A paste of baking soda and water is advocated for pre-wash treatment, particularly beneficial for hard-to-clean polyester knits.
Lori Vanover, the author, is a highly experienced individual with 20 years of expertise in home, garden, birding, and lifestyle content. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural and Environmental Communications, she is also certified as a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener and actively participates in organizations dedicated to nature and ornithology.
In conclusion, the article not only provides practical solutions for garden issues using baking soda but also underscores the significance of this household item in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly gardening practices. The inclusion of real-life tips and testimonials from gardening enthusiasts adds credibility to the efficacy of baking soda in maintaining a healthy and thriving garden.
