Last Updated on July 26, 2022 by Griselda M.
Weeds are always a curse. Herbicides are increasingly seen by many as being undesirable due to their potential long-term health effects. “Organic” alternatives such as baking soda have a small place to play in controlling weeds in select places. Let us take a quick look at a few places you can use baking soda to get rid of weed problems.
What Is Baking Soda?
Sodium bicarbonate (or baking soda) is an ingredient often used in baking. In certain formulations, such as typical “baking powders” the baking soda is formulated in such a way that it will release carbon dioxide upon heating and cause the baked goods to rise.
When baking soda is heated, it gives off carbon dioxide gas. This makes your product rise in the oven. Baking soda has a number of uses beyond just baking. You can use it to clean your countertops, drains, and pipes. It can be used in a mixture with vinegar to scrub pots and pans and to clean your microwave oven. It can be used in your mouthwash. All of these uses are very practical.
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How Can I Use Baking Soda In My Garden?
Baking soda is a sodium salt. Excess sodium in soils is generally a bad thing, so in many cases, you probably wish to avoid using it. I use baking soda to remove weeds between pavers. Well, I used to. I use potassium hydroxide solution now as this works a lot better, and potassium is good for the soil.
To kill weeds between pavers just sprinkle the baking soda along the lines between the pavers. I tend to do this in the morning when the plants are damp with dew. You will see after three or four days the leaves turn brown and the plants die. As I say, this works, but potassium hydroxide in a sprayer bottle with water works much better!
Can Baking Soda Kill Weeds And Help With Removal Of Pests?
Yes, baking soda can kill weeds. I would not apply it in places such as lawns, as it will kill your lawn too. Generally, the only practical place to use this is any pace where you want to kill everything. This would be between cement or brick pavers, cracks in paths, and so on.
Why should you use baking soda in your garden?
Many gardeners use baking soda in their gardens because they believe it is beneficial to plants. This is true to an extent, but there are a few caveats you should be aware of. Baking soda contains sodium bicarbonate. Sodium builds up in the soil and causes saline soil which is not desirable.
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Conclusion On Baking Soda Kill Weeds
Baking soda has limited application as a weed killer when trying to kill weeds growing in cracks and crevices. Removing weeds between pavers, or cracks in paths and similar places is achievable with baking soda – but I would rather use a potassium hydroxide solution in water. This works a lot better, using a lot less money to achieve the same results. Potassium is also a lot less damaging to your soil.
For other gardening-related topics, check our other articles, and happy gardening!
FAQ
Is baking soda good for killing weeds?
You can use it to kill weeds in cracks and crevices and between pavers. Sprinkle it on top of the plants and it causes them to turn yellow and die in a few days. I would again suggest that potassium hydroxide solution is more effective.
How do you mix vinegar and baking soda to kill weeds?
If you do this you create sodium acetate which is an acidic buffer. I would suggest there are better solutions than this one and would avoid doing this.
Will baking soda harm my lawn?
Yes. Baking soda will probably kill your lawn and leave sodium residues in it making your lawn soil salty/saline and making it more difficult to grow a new lawn.
How many days does it take to kill weeds with baking soda?
I find it takes about 3-4 days in hot dry weather if you apply it to plants early in the morning when their leaves are wet from dew. In colder weather it can take longer. If it rains, the baking soda washes away and it will probably not work at all.
Branko is the world‘s most enthusiastic gardener! He is always on the hunt for the perfect flower, bush or tree to add to his ever–growing garden. He is known for his love of all things green, and his passion for nurturing the plants he grows is unmatched. He loves to get his hands dirty and can often be found humbly tending to his garden at all hours of the day. Branko is the go–to guy when it comes to gardening advice – he is always happy to share his knowledge and wisdom with anyone who will listen. He also loves to play pranks on unsuspecting visitors, so beware if you enter his garden!
