6 Ways to Use Baking Soda in the Garden

Eskay Lim / EyeEm/Getty Images

Clean 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.

Learn how (and how often) to clean bird feeders.

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.

Make your own weed killer with vinegar and dish soap. Plus, discover 10 ways to use epsom salt for your garden. You can use eggshells in your garden, too!

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.

Psst—don’t miss 25 secret garden tips we learned from grandma.

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.

Learn how to get rid of indoor plant bugs.

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.

Follow these tips to conserve water in the garden.

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.

Learn how to remove grass stains from clothes and shoes.