Baking soda is not only considered an all-purpose product in the home, there are also many possible uses for the product in the garden. It works on powdery mildew infestations, kills lice and supports you in the fight against annoying weeds. You can find out how to use baking soda correctly in this article.
How can you use baking soda against weeds?
To use baking soda against weeds, simply dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda in a liter of boiling water, let it cool, fill it into a spray bottle (€27.00 on Amazon) and spray unwanted weeds with it. Alternatively, damp weeds can be sprinkled with a thin layer of baking soda to kill them.
What is baking soda?
Natron is the common name for sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3). In contrast to caustic soda, this substance is also suitable for consumption. Baking soda can be found in many household products such as baking powder or effervescent powder as well as in cleaning products. Another area of application is self-mixed cosmetics.
You can get baking soda in grocery stores, drugstores and pharmacies. Established brands are “Bullrich Salz” and “Kaiser Natron”.
Baking soda has a slightly alkaline effect and therefore gently destroys weeds.
How is baking soda used?
The application is very simple:
- Heat a liter of water until it boils.
- Dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda, which is about ten grams, in it.
- Let the mixture cool and stir several times.
- Fill into a spray bottle (€27.00 on Amazon).
Spray the unwanted weeds several times. Maintain a distance of around ten centimeters from neighboring plants so that they are not accidentally damaged.
If you only want to destroy individual weeds, you can moisten them with a hose and sprinkle a fine layer of baking soda on the leaves. This also works for weeds that have germinated in the joints of the patio slabs.
Baking soda, an environmentally friendly moss killer
If moss settles in the lawn or between the paving stones, baking soda is an effective remedy. Spray moss areas as described above. You can spread the white powder thinly on paving slabs, moisten it slightly, allow it to take effect and scrub the moss off with a brush.
Can I also use soda?
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and soda (sodium carbonate) are two household helpers that are often confused. The substances are closely related because they are both s alts derived from carbonic acid.
The small but subtle difference lies in the hydrogen component, recognizable by the word “hydro”. When combined with water, soda forms an aggressive lye. Although soda is effective against weeds, the milder effect of baking soda is sufficient to destroy weeds.
What is caustic soda?
Concentrated caustic soda can burn skin and eyes because it has a very strong effect. Caustic soda is considered poisonous to plankton and fish. The damaging effect occurs through the spontaneous shift in the pH value. Therefore, the product should not be used in the garden.
Tip
Baking soda also works well as a plant protection agent against lice and fungal diseases. For this purpose, add half a teaspoon of baking soda to a liter of water and add a quarter teaspoon of grated curd soap. Spray affected plants and repeat treatment if necessary.
