Baking Soda Weed Killer: A Surprisingly Simple Garden Hack That Works

Let’s be honest—nothing ruins a beautiful garden faster than those pesky, persistent weeds. One minute, everything looks lush and thriving, and the next, you’re staring down a dandelion the size of a salad plate.

Sure, you could break out the chemical weed killers, but if you're like me and prefer a low-tox, budget-friendly approach, this trick is going to be your new favorite thing.

Ready for the secret weapon? It's baking soda. Yep, that little orange box in your pantry makes an excellent baking soda weed killer—simple, safe, and surprisingly effective.

Let’s dig in (literally).

1. Choose Your Battleground

Before you sprinkle anything, take a walk through your garden or driveway and figure out where the weeds are staging their takeover.

This method works best for weeds popping up in cracks of sidewalks, patios, driveways, gravel walkways, or between bricks. It’s not ideal for your vegetable garden or around prized perennials—you’ll see why in a second.

3. Sprinkle Baking Soda Directly on the Weeds

Put on your gardening gloves (if you're fancy like that), and either use a spoon or a small sieve to sprinkle baking soda right onto the weed, especially the crown (where the leaves meet the root). You don’t need to cake it on—a tablespoon or so per weed does the trick.

Important: Baking soda is non-selective, which is a fancy way of saying it can harm your good plants too. So be careful not to get it on your grass, flowers, or veggies.

Tips to Get the Best Results

• Target early: Catch weeds when they’re young for quicker results.
• Use baking soda dry: Wet clumps won’t spread well.
• Avoid healthy plants: It’s a weed killer, not a fertilizer!
• Reapply monthly: Especially in problem areas like walkways or gravel driveways.

Are There Any Weeds Baking Soda Doesn’t Work On?

Yes, unfortunately. While it’s great for small, shallow-rooted weeds (think crabgrass or dandelions), it might not do much against deep-rooted beasts like thistle or bindweed. But for everyday annoyances, it’s a lifesaver.

Kill Weeds Naturally with This Baking Soda Weed Killer Trick

Let’s recap:

• Baking soda is cheap, non-toxic, and easy to use.
• It works best on sidewalks, driveways, and gravel—not your flower beds.
• Sprinkle it directly on the weed’s crown and wait for it to work.
• You’ll see results in a few days, and repeat use keeps new weeds from moving in.

If you’re looking for a DIY solution that’s as satisfying as popping bubble wrap, killing weeds with baking soda might just be your next weekend project.

Have you tried this method before? Share your results in the comments—we love hearing your stories (and your wins)!