Gardeners across the UK are celebrating a remarkably cheap and effective solution to two of the most common gardening woes: slugs and fungal diseases. The secret weapon? A pot of bicarbonate of soda that you likely already have in your kitchen cupboard.
This humble household staple, costing as little as 11p, is being hailed as a game-changer for protecting precious plants without resorting to harsh chemicals. It offers a dual-action approach to plant care that is both simple and incredibly effective.
The Slug Deterrent Miracle
For those tired of finding their hostas and lettuces ravaged by slimy invaders, bicarbonate of soda provides a powerful and safe deterrent. Simply create a protective ring around vulnerable plants. When slugs cross this barrier, it proves fatal for them, effectively creating a no-slug's-land around your prized greenery.
Fighting Fungal Infections
The benefits don't stop there. A simple solution made from bicarbonate of soda and water can be sprayed directly onto plants like roses to combat black spot and powdery mildew. This fungal-fighting spray alters the pH on the leaf surface, creating an environment where fungi simply cannot thrive.
To make the solution, mix a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda with a litre of water. For extra sticking power, a few drops of natural soap can be added. This creates a protective coating that safeguards your plants without the environmental impact of synthetic fungicides.
This ingenious hack represents a shift towards more sustainable, cost-effective gardening practices. It demonstrates that sometimes the most powerful solutions are already sitting in our homes, waiting to be discovered.
