If you’re like most UK gardeners you prefer to keep things natural whenever you can. Even when pesky weeds pop up you want to try and be gentle on the soil and environment, steering clear of chemical herbicides in favor of more eco-friendly solutions.

The best part of this approach is there are plenty of homemade weed killer recipe UK gardeners have at their disposal. One is baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda.

But does bicarbonate of soda kill weeds? How long does it take for baking soda to kill weeds? Is there any downside to using a bicarbonate of soda weed killer? We’ll answer all these questions and many others you may have about sodium bicarbonate weed killer below.

The short answer is that while baking soda weed killer works, it can also have the same effect on desired vegetation - be it your grass or vegetable garden. Using baking soda for weeds leaves behind a bit of residual salt that can affect fertility in the long run, too.

Ultimately, there’s no need to waste your time or risk doing more harm than good with bicarbonate of soda weed killer. The best weed killer UK gardeners have access to is only a few clicks away at Jennychem. Learn more about our world-renowned weed killer today!

What is Bicarbonate of Soda?

Let’s clear a few things up - what is bicarbonate of soda? Also known as baking soda or sodium bicarbonate, this is a white, crystalline powder just about every UK household keeps on hand. 

It has alkaline properties that are commonly called upon for cooking, cleaning, and in some cases, gardening. It works wonders to neutralise acids and absorb moisture, but does bicarbonate of soda kill weeds?

Does Bicarbonate of Soda Kill Weeds? Pros and Cons of Using Baking Soda for Weeds

As we said from the start, yes - you can use baking soda for weeds, but there are a few caveats to consider. It doesn’t work for every weed infestation and is not without its limitations. 

But how does bicarbonate of soda kill weeds? It can all be traced back to its sodium content. Salt is known to desiccate plants, which means it disrupts their cellular water balance and dries them out internally. This slowly but surely causes them to wilt and die.

Sodium bicarbonate doesn’t just impact the weeds but the soil as well. It alters the structure of soil and makes it inhospitable for plant growth. While this can help deter future weeds from taking hold in your yard, it comes at the cost of desired vegetation. Good plants won’t be able to grow anywhere you used baking soda for weeds, either.

Overusing baking soda as a weed killer leads to long-term issues with soil fertility, leaving your yard looking barren and empty. We’ll talk more about this limitation later on. But what weeds does sodium bicarbonate work best on?

• Dandelions: Their broad leaves are vulnerable to topical treatments like baking soda.
• Crabgrass: A common lawn weed that’s really susceptible to salt exposure.
• Chickweed: A shallow-rooted, fast-spreading weed that’s easy to control with surface applications.
• Moss and Algae: These thrive in damp, acidic environments. But because baking soda raises pH levels and absorbs moisture, it can help you control moss and algae. 

This begs the question, is sodium bicarbonate the best weedkiller for ivy? What about thistles, bindweed, and other tough, deep-rooted weeds? Unfortunately, these varieties will be more resilient to the bicarbonate of soda weed killer. 

It’s not just these species that are resistant to baking soda weed killer either. Any weeds you use it on could return after a period of time since it’s not killing the roots, just the foliage. You’ll need to use it multiple times to see a lasting impact.

There are obviously other concerns with baking soda for weeds as we mentioned above - from the negative soil impact to the potential to harm desired plants. Most gardeners ultimately find themselves reaching for a different solution once they know the full story of using sodium bicarbonate weed killer.

Fortunately, our acetic acid weed killer is an excellent alternative. More on that later. Let’s set your expectations with using bicarbonate of soda weed killer first, how long does it take baking soda to kill weeds? 

How Long Does it Take For Baking Soda to Kill Weeds?

No matter what you’re using to fight off a weed outbreak, there’s never going to be a one-size-fits-all answer for the timeline of results. There are far too many moving pieces, including:

• Weed Type & Maturity: Young, tender weeds are more vulnerable to desiccation from baking soda than mature, deep-rooted weeds with established growth.
• Weather Conditions: Dry, sunny conditions intensify the dehydrating effects of baking soda, while rain or high humidity can have the opposite effect and slow down results.
• Application Method: Directly sprinkling dry baking soda on weeds is typically more effective than diluting it with water. This way, it can start absorbing moisture from plant cells right away. But, mixing with water can help it stick to foliage, improving results in some cases.
• Reapplication Frequency: Like we said, one-and-done isn’t likely with baking soda weed killer. Multiple treatments over several days or weeks are typically necessary for complete eradication.

In general, though, how long does it take for weed killer to work? Expect to see visible effects from using baking soda for weeds within 24-48 hours - leaf browning and wilting. The actual death of weeds can take several days to a few weeks. 

Making Your Own Bicarbonate of Soda Weed Killer

There are quite a few ways you can go about using a bicarbonate of soda weed killer. The two most common tactics are applying baking soda for weeds as a spot treatment or mixing it with water and spraying it on foliage. 

There’s another approach that might yield better results, though. Keep reading to learn more about making your own sodium bicarbonate weed killer. 

Simple Baking Soda Spot Treatment

Direct application of pure baking soda for weeds works best for small patches or weeds growing between cracks in driveways and patios. 

Start by dampening the weed so the baking soda can stick to it. Sprinkle a generous amount of dry baking soda directly onto the leaves and the base of the plant. Leave it undisturbed for 24 hours so it can work its magic. 

Baking Soda and Water Spray Solution

Sprinkling baking soda over larger areas like a lawn border or garden bed might not be practical. This is where it makes sense to mix baking soda and water and spray it using a garden sprayer. 

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda per 1 litre of water in a spray bottle. Shake it well and then apply it directly onto the foliage of the weed. Just be careful about over-spraying onto surrounding plants or letting the concoction run off into the soil.

Baking Soda and Vinegar for Tough Weeds

Remember, many weeds are going to be impervious to baking soda alone. You can combine it with vinegar for those tougher weeds to enhance its desiccating effect. 

Vinegar is highly concentrated in acetic acid, a powerful natural herbicide that breaks down plant cell wells. This dynamic duo really sucks the life out of the weed and gives you a better chance of successful eradication.

Start by sprinkling dry baking soda on the weeds and then spray vinegar on top, or better yet, an acetic acid weed killer at a higher concentration. The combination will start fizzing and you’ll know it’s working its magic to break down the plant’s tissue.

More Tips on Using Bicarbonate of Soda for Weeds

We want to share a few more tips to really set you up for success using bicarbonate of soda for weeds. Keep in mind it’s most effective in parts of the yard where precise application is needed and where you aren’t worried about harming the soil for future plant growth.

That means sodium bicarbonate weed killer needs to be limited to patios, driveways, and footpaths. It can be used carefully around garden borders or tree bases, but there will always be some risk of harming desired vegetation in these situations.

If you do accidentally oversaturate an area, work quickly to flush the soil with plenty of water to help dilute the sodium concentration and prevent long-term damage. You can also use a piece of cardboard or plastic as a shield to cover nearby plants when spraying.

You’ll probably need to reapply the baking soda weed killer a few times for complete removal. Check the area for signs of regrowth in 10-14 days and reapply if necessary. Deep-rooted weeds could call for reapplication every 7-10 days until the plant stops regenerating.

Now, as far as when to use weed killer, baking soda works best in spring and summer when weeds are actively growing. Applying in winter or early spring won’t move the needle nearly as much. 

But even with these tips on using sodium bicarbonate weed killer, you’ll likely find it falls short as a bramble weed killer, ground elder weed killer, nettle killer, or dandelion killer for lawns. The good news is we have some superior solutions worth trying below. 

Better Ways to Manage a Weed Outbreak Than Baking Soda

When it comes to how to kill weeds permanently, bicarbonate of soda weed killer is rarely the best option. In fact, it’s notorious for causing more harm than good in areas where you want to control weeds without damaging desired vegetation. 

Even long after the weed problem is gone the baking soda can alter the soil structure and make it tough for any vegetation to thrive. While it may be the best driveway weed killer, you need something that’s harsh on weeds yet gentle on the environment in any other case.

Look no further than Weedex Super.

Weedex Super Acetic Acid Weed Killer

This fast and aggressive weed control solution is powered by a high-strength acetic acid formula that penetrates weeds at the cellular level, breaking down plant tissue and ensuring rapid desiccation. 

While bicarbonate of soda weed killer works inconsistently, Weedex Super makes a difference in just a few hours. You won’t have to worry about this weed killer and dogs, cats, or kids either because it’s non-toxic as soon as it’s dry. There is no residual activity to be concerned about.

That being said, acetic acid is a non-selective weed killer, so there’s going to be some level of risk with applying it near desired vegetation. Nevertheless, this solution is trusted by tens of thousands of UK gardeners - see why for yourself today!

Boiling Water or Weed Burners

Weeds can’t beat the heat - boiling water or weed burners are a powerful tool for managing weeds without chemical intervention. 

Boiling water scalds weeds on contact (just like it would your skin) and causes cell rupture and dehydration. It works really well on young, shallow-rooted weeds. On the other hand, weed burners are more precise and great for controlling weeds in gravel paths, driveways, and non-lawn areas.

Pulling Weeds by Hand

Sometimes, the simplest solution is also the best one. Hand-pulling weeds is tedious and sometimes painful, but it guarantees complete removal of the weed’s most problematic component: it’s root system.

The key is to pull the entire root system from the ground, as any fragments left behind can sprout a new weed in the future. Wait for the soil to be damp from rain, or do a light watering, to pull the roots out easier.

You can also use a weeding tool for more deep-rooted weeds like dandelions and thistles. Just be realistic about the area you need to cover. This approach is not practical for expansive infestations. Make sure you discard of the weeds properly afterward.

Mulching and Other Soil Care Methods

Suppressing weeds before they emerge is one of the best ways to control an outbreak naturally. You don’t have to kill weeds that don’t exist, after all! Here are some strategies to implement:

• Apply organic mulch: Bark, wood chips, or straw will block sunlight and prevent weed germination. These materials also improve soil conditions for good plants!
• Use landscape fabric: Creates a physical barrier between soil and sunlight much like mulch does, except it only needs to be applied once to reduce weed growth. Mulch needs to be applied regularly over time.
• Improve soil health: Fertilised, well-maintained lawns and garden beds naturally outcompete weeds. Take care of your lawn and teh rest will take care of itself!

Pre-Emergent Herbicides for Prevention

If you deal with the same weed problem season after season and aren’t using a pre-emergent herbicide, you’re working way harder than you need to. 

These stop weeds before they sprout by creating a barrier in spring and autumn when the seeds try to germinate. They’re best used against species like crabgrass and chickweed but less effective for established perennials.

Final Thoughts on Sodium Bicarbonate Weed Killer

In closing, does bicarbonate of soda kill weeds? How long does it take for baking soda to kill weeds, and are there any downsides to using bicarbonate of soda weed killer? 

While baking soda weed killer works, it almost works too well - killing off good plants and leaving soil infertile in the long run. Plus, it’s not going to work against all weed species, and it’s only killing the parts of the weed you can see.

The key takeaway is you should use a more proven, natural approach to weed control like acetic acid. It doesn’t have any lingering effects on the soil and it works faster while achieving a more complete kill.

Don’t just take our word for it, see it in action firsthand. Order Weedex Super today and put your weed problems in the past once and for all!