Gardeners urged to stock up on one ingredient boosting 12 plants
If your plants need an extra boost in this summer's sweltering heat then this one handy kitchen item could just do the trick.
As the summer kicks into full gear, most gardeners are looking forward to seeing their plants and flowers in full bloom. There are few things more satisfying than being surrounded by fresh blossoms and the sweet fragrance of floral buds. However, if you want your blooms to be as full as healthy as possible, it can be a good idea to give your plants some extra help.
Luckily, you don't have to go out of your way to buy expensive fertiliser, or spend the time making your own compost. Experts have revealed one kitchen item that can help your plants thrive.
It turns out that baking soda can do much more than simply make your bread rise. This handy powder can provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly boost for plants.
DIY Everywhere explains: 'The effectiveness of baking soda in gardening is rooted in its chemical properties. As a mild alkaline substance, baking soda can help balance the pH levels of soil, making it less acidic.'
This makes it particularly effective when it comes to plants that grow in alkaline soils. This includes twelve popular household plants, such as roses, geraniums and hydrangeas.
Its benefits are numerous and can increase bloom size and result in more vibrant colours. In the case of hydrangeas, it can even give them a pinker colour.
Other benefits include maximising bloom duration, strengthening plant stems and leaves, and even enhancing the fragrance of flowers like roses. Similarly, when it comes to marigolds, baking soda can intensify their natural pest-repelling properties.
DIY Everywhere adds that baking soda also contains antifungal properties, which can help fight fungal infections that sometimes appear on plants. This can help boost their growth and overall health.
As for how to use baking powder to enhance your plants, they suggest mixing one tablespoon of baking soda with about 3.7 litres of water. When watering, you should focus on the soil around the base so the roots feel the full effects.
If you want to use baking soda to treat fungal infections, you can place the solution in a spray bottle and spritz onto the leaves. This process should be repeated every two weeks for the best results.
12 plants that bloom bigger with baking soda
Begonias
Hydrangeas
Zinnias
Petunias
Geraniums
Roses
Marigolds
Daisies
Lilies
Chrysanthemums
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