November’s cooler temps in Tennessee make it a great time to give your lawn a little love. Fall care now sets the stage for healthier, greener grass come spring. Believe it or not, baking soda isn’t just for baking—it can work wonders in your yard too.
This budget-friendly staple helps tackle common lawn issues without harsh chemicals. I’ve seen it used to fight off fungus, freshen up soil, and even deter some pests. It’s a simple, natural way to boost your lawn’s health as the seasons shift.
1. Balances Soil PH Naturally
Tennessee soil tends to lean acidic, especially in areas with heavy rainfall and clay content. Baking soda works as a gentle alkaline agent that slowly raises pH levels without shocking your grass.
When soil becomes too acidic, nutrients get locked away where grass roots cannot reach them. Applying a light dusting of baking soda helps unlock these nutrients, giving your lawn better access to what it needs to thrive through winter and into spring.
2. Fights Fungal Lawn Diseases
Fungal problems like brown patch and dollar spot love Tennessee’s humid fall weather. Baking soda creates an environment where these fungi struggle to survive and spread.
Mix it with water and spray it on affected areas, or sprinkle it dry over trouble spots. The alkaline properties change the surface conditions on grass blades, making them less hospitable to fungal growth. Your lawn stays healthier and greener as temperatures drop and moisture increases during November.
3. Eliminates Unpleasant Yard Odors
Pet waste, decomposing leaves, and excess moisture can create some pretty unpleasant smells in your yard during fall. Baking soda naturally absorbs and neutralizes odors instead of just covering them up with fragrances.
Sprinkle it generously over smelly areas, especially spots where pets frequently go. The powder soaks up moisture and breaks down odor-causing compounds. Within a day or two, your yard smells fresh again, making outdoor time more enjoyable for everyone in the family.
4. Discourages Pesky Garden Weeds
Crabgrass and other stubborn weeds pop up in cracks, sidewalks, and lawn edges throughout Tennessee yards. Baking soda acts as a natural weed suppressant in these problem areas.
Pour it directly into cracks between pavers or along driveway edges where weeds take root. The high salt content in baking soda makes it difficult for unwanted plants to establish themselves. Just be careful not to apply too much directly on your lawn, as heavy amounts can harm grass too.
5. Keeps Fire Ants Away
Fire ants remain active in Tennessee well into November, building mounds that ruin lawns and threaten bare feet. Baking soda offers a safer alternative to harsh chemical pesticides for controlling these aggressive insects.
Pour it directly onto fire ant mounds in the early morning when ants are most active near the surface. The baking soda disrupts their colony and makes the environment uncomfortable for them. Repeat applications every few days until the mound becomes inactive and ants relocate elsewhere.
6. Cleans Outdoor Furniture Safely
Your patio furniture collects dirt, pollen, and mildew throughout Tennessee’s humid seasons. Baking soda makes an excellent gentle cleaner that won’t damage plastic, metal, or painted surfaces. Make a paste with water and scrub away grime from chairs, tables, and planters before storing them for winter.
It cuts through greasy barbecue residue and removes stubborn stains without harsh fumes. Your outdoor spaces look fresh and inviting, ready for those occasional warm November afternoons perfect for sitting outside.
7. Deters Slugs And Snails
November’s damp conditions bring out slugs and snails that munch on whatever greenery remains in your Tennessee landscape. These slimy pests leave behind damaged plants and unsightly trails across patios and walkways.
Create barriers by sprinkling lines of baking soda around garden beds, hostas, and vulnerable plants. Slugs and snails avoid crossing it because the powder absorbs moisture from their bodies, making movement uncomfortable. Reapply after heavy rain to maintain protection throughout the month.