Moss can be a widespread issue in winter and spring as it thrives in damp, shaded spots.
The areas of your garden that are most affected by it will typically be the lawn and patio.
When it comes to lawns, leaving moss untreated allows it to compete with the grass for essential resources like sunlight and water, which undermines your lawn’s health and restricts growth.
In terms of your patio, while moss doesn’t cause damage, it leaves paving stones looking unsightly and can be a major slipping hazard.
To eradicate moss without resorting to harsh chemicals, homeowners can utilise one common household item – baking soda.
Chelsey from gardening blog Good Grow claims that when dealing with the persistent problem of moss on lawns and patios, baking soda emerges as a promising natural remedy to address this issue.
She said: “Baking soda, a common household item, is a versatile agent that can effectively kill moss for good on various surfaces including lawns and hard materials like paving stones.”
Baking soda’s alkaline properties can raise the pH level, disrupting the moss’s ability to survive and causing it to dehydrate.
Applying baking soda to remove moss can be done using two main methods: spraying or applying it directly in dry form. Choose a method depending on the extent of the moss problem and weather conditions.
Spray method
Mix two to three tablespoons of baking soda with 950ml of water and stir the solution until the baking soda is completely dissolved.
Fill a spray bottle with the solution and spray the affected area generously on a dry, sunny day to ensure the solution adheres to the moss and has time to act before any rainfall.
Dry method
For this option, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the mossy areas on a dry day to prevent the baking soda from washing away.
Reapply on following sunny days to reinforce the effect and ensure moss death and easy removal.
By taking a targeted and careful approach to moss removal with baking soda, you can preserve and promote a healthy environment for both your lawn and the surrounding garden.