As January's damp and chilly weather keeps many gardeners indoors, a surprising new tip suggests a staple kitchen ingredient should be moved outside. Bicarbonate of soda, a baking essential, is being hailed as a secret weapon for winter plant care.
The Viral Gardening Hack from TikTok
The clever advice comes from gardening expert Ish, known on social media as gardening.with.ish. In a recent video posted on TikTok, he demonstrated how to create a simple yet effective anti-fungal spray using common household items. His recommendation is to pause using the powder for baking and instead deploy it to rescue plants suffering in the wet January conditions.
Ish's method is straightforward. You simply need a 500ml spray bottle, water, and a single teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda. After filling the bottle with water, you add the soda, give it a vigorous shake, and the solution is ready. The key is to lightly spray the mixture onto affected plant leaves just once a week to combat fungal issues.
How and Why the Baking Soda Solution Works
This kitchen-cupboard favourite acts as a gentle, homemade fungicide. The science behind it involves the compound tweaking the surface pH of leaves and creating subtle salt barriers. This environment helps to shield plants from common problems like powdery mildew and black spot, and can even deter some pests.
However, experts caution that it is best used as a preventative measure rather than a cure for a severe infestation, and it requires consistent weekly application to remain effective. It is also vital to use it sparingly. A diluted mix with water is essential to prevent potential damage, as some plants, such as ferns, are sensitive to salt. Always test the spray on a small area of the plant first to check for any adverse reaction.
A Growing Trend for Unusual Garden Helpers
This is not the first unusual household item Ish has promoted for garden use. Just last week, he highlighted the clever purpose of cardboard toilet roll tubes outdoors, suggesting a trend for repurposing everyday objects. Following his bicarbonate of soda post, many grateful gardeners flooded the comments with thanks.
One user exclaimed, "Oh, this is fab. Will use this in my greenhouse. Thanks." Another commented on the seasonal struggle, saying, "Great idea. My garden is just a soggy mess at the moment!" The tip proves that even in the depths of winter, there are simple, cost-effective ways to support your garden's health using items you already own.
