Baking soda is not only an all-purpose product in the household, there are also many possible uses for the product in the garden. It works against powdery mildew infestation, kills lice and supports you in the fight against annoying weeds. In this article you will learn how to use baking soda correctly.

The popular household remedy baking soda also helps against weeds

What is baking soda?

Baking soda is the trivial name for sodium bicarbonate (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 at grocery stores, drugstores, and pharmacies. Established brands are “Bullrich Salz” and “Kaiser Natron”.

Baking soda has a weak alkaline effect and thus 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.
  • Allow mixture to cool, stirring several times.
  • Pour into a spray bottle.

Spray the unwanted weeds several times. Keep a distance of about ten centimeters from neighboring plants so that they are not unintentionally 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 with weeds that have germinated in the joints of the terrace slabs.

Baking soda, an environmentally friendly moss killer

If moss settles in the lawn or between the paving stones, baking soda is a tried and tested remedy. Spray moss areas as described above. You can spread the white powder thinly on paving stones, moisten it a little, leave it to work and scrub off the moss with a brush.

Can I use soda too?

Baking soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate) and soda (sodium carbonate) are two household helpers that are often confused. The substances are closely related because both are salts derived from carbonic acid.

The small but subtle difference is in the hydrogen component, recognizable by the word "hydro". Together with water, soda forms an aggressive lye. Although soda is effective against weeds, the milder effect of baking soda is sufficient to kill weeds.

What is caustic soda?

Concentrated caustic soda can burn skin and eyes because it is very strong. Caustic soda is considered toxic to plankton and fish. The damaging effect is due to the spontaneous shift in the pH value. Therefore, the product should not be used in the garden.

tips

Baking soda also works well as a crop protection agent against lice and fungal diseases. To do this, add half a teaspoon of baking soda to a liter of water and add a quarter of a teaspoon of grated curd soap. Spray infested plants and repeat treatment if necessary.

Category:

Herbs