Ish wrote in the video’s caption: “Fight fungal infections, protect against weeds and ants and even clean your tools with only one thing – baking soda. Bicarbonate of soda has many uses in your garden and my gardening tips for beginner gardeners will show you some simple gardening hacks for plant care and stopping weeds and even taking care of powdery mildew.”
Baking soda in the garden has many uses, but adding it to water can help create a spray to get rid of any mould or wanted black spot disease on plants. Add a teaspoon of baking soda and half a teaspoon of washing up liquid to half a litre of water in a spray bottle.
This solution makes a natural antifungal spray which can help target mould, black spot, and other fungal problems such as powdery mildew. The washing up liquid helps the solution cling to the plants’ leaves.
As an antifungal agent, baking soda changes the leaf’s surface pH, making it less acidic and harder for black spot fungus to grow. While the washing up liquid will help the solution to spread and stick to the leaves, helping to cover more of the surface of the leaves.
Spray the mixture over the affected area, making sure it’s generously saturated. The solution should be reapplied after it rains to help control the spread of the fungus.
To prevent black spots from forming or returning, the RHS explained that the best form of control is by avoiding pests, diseases and weeds, as well as good garden hygiene, and introducing “natural enemies”.
The RHS also urged gardeners to collect and destroy any fallen leaves during the autumn, and to also pick off and dispose of any leaves that stay on the plant during the winter months. Gardeners should also avoid using fungicides, as this could reduce biodiversity, impact soil health, and have adverse effects on the environment.
