Does Baking Soda Kill Weeds? [Simple Solution]

Baking soda is a natural chemical powder also known as sodium bicarbonate. It is a kitchen staple used for baking, cleaning, deodorizing, and gardening. 

The idea behind using baking soda as a weed killer is based on its chemical makeup. Sodium bicarbonate is alkaline and can alter the pH levels in the soil and on plant surfaces. 

When applied directly to weeds, it dehydrates the plants by drawing water out of their cells, eventually causing them to wither and die.

This is exactly like using table salt as a weed killer. 

How Does Baking Soda Kill Weeds?

Here’s how baking soda may work on weeds:

Desiccation

Baking soda’s primary mechanism is drying out the plant. The sodium in baking soda sticks to the cell walls of the weed and interferes with the plant’s ability to retain water, causing the foliage to dry up.

Soil pH Imbalance

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) makes the soil more alkaline and “saltier” in the area where it’s applied, which can be harmful to plant roots. This creates an environment where weeds struggle to thrive. 

Can Baking Soda Kill All Types of Weeds?

While baking soda may be effective on small, annual weeds, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s most effective on certain broadleaf weeds that are shallow-rooted and found in sidewalk cracks or driveways.

However, its effectiveness on deep-rooted, perennial weeds, such as dandelions or crabgrass, is limited due to their regenerative roots.

Moreover, applying baking soda to larger areas of your lawn may harm not only the pesky weeds, but also healthy grass and other desired plants.

The high salt-sodium content can leach into the soil, causing long-term damage to the soil surface and plant health.

Potential Hazards of Using Baking Soda as a Weed Killer

While baking soda is a natural substance, using it in large quantities  can pose several risks to your lawn’s overall health:

• Harm to desirable plants: Baking soda is non-selective, meaning it will harm any plant it comes into contact with. Sprinkling it across your lawn can damage your grass and other plants in the vicinity.
• Soil health: High concentrations of sodium bicarbonate can alter soil composition, leading to poor soil structure and a decrease in fertility over time. Sodium accumulates in the soil, making it difficult for grass and other plants to absorb vital nutrients.
• Temporary results: While baking soda may kill weeds on the surface, it doesn’t address the root system. This means that perennial weeds with deep roots will likely regrow, necessitating repeated applications and potentially leading to long-term damage to your lawn.
• Environmental impact: If misused, baking soda can run off into nearby water sources, increasing salinity levels, which can have damaging effects on aquatic life.

Is Baking Soda a Sustainable Solution for Lawn Care?

Baking soda, while natural, is not a sustainable or holistic solution for weed control when used frequently or in large quantities. 

For homeowners looking for environmentally friendly weed control, we recommend gardening tips and solutions that take a more balanced approach to lawn health.

Effective weed control isn’t just about killing unwanted plants; it’s about creating an environment where your lawn can naturally resist weeds.

Sustainable Alternatives to Baking Soda for Weed Control

For those who want to minimize the use of chemical herbicides while keeping weeds at bay, there are several methods for killing weeds that focus on long-term lawn health:

• Organic mulching: Mulch creates a barrier that blocks sunlight, preventing weed seeds from sprouting.
• Corn gluten meal: This natural by-product of corn processing when applied as a pre-emergent (during the cooler months) acts as an effective weed killer. 
• Hand weeding: While labor-intensive, it is the most direct and effective way to remove weeds, especially deep-rooted perennials like dandelions.
• Aeration and overseeding: Weeds thrive in compacted soil with poor grass coverage.
• Proper fertilization: Weeds are opportunistic and often take advantage of nutrient-deficient soil.     
• Natural herbicides: These products offer an alternative to traditional chemical herbicides and can be effective for spot-treating weeds such as white vinegar (acetic acid), dish soap, boiling water, and lemon juice. Be sure to apply the solution using a spray bottle on a sunny day in an outdoor space. Avoid applying during rain or on a windy day. 

Why SunCo Services Are the Best Solution

While baking soda may offer a quick solution for small patches of weeds, it’s not the best option for sustainable lawn care.

DIY methods like baking soda may seem like an easy fix, but they often provide only temporary relief and sometimes cause more harm than good. For long-term sustainable lawn health, professional lawn care services are the most reliable option.

Contact us today to learn more about our range of natural lawn care services! Call us at (402) 972-8603 or visit our website to schedule a consultation with our lawn care experts.