They show you their huge tomatoes, boast about their harvest, and you secretly get angry: why can’t you grow the same ones?
The secret isn't expensive fertilizers or magic seeds. All you need is in your kitchen - regular baking soda.
Yes, the same one that costs pennies and gathers dust in the closet.
Soda works as a natural fungicide and soil acidity regulator. Dissolve a tablespoon in a liter of water and spray the plants once every two weeks. This will protect the leaves from fungus and the fruits from cracking.
But the main miracle happens underground. Sprinkle a pinch of soda into the hole before planting the seedlings - it will reduce the acidity that tomatoes don't like.
The result? The roots become powerful, and the fruits fill with juice and grow like yeast.
And soda also saves from slugs. Sprinkle it in a thin strip around the beds - soft pests will not dare to cross the "fiery" border.
But be careful not to overdo it, or the soil will become too alkaline. Check the pH once a month and adjust the doses.
And finally, a life hack for sweetness. Water the tomatoes with water and soda (1 teaspoon per 3 liters) a month before harvesting. This will neutralize the acid, and the tomatoes will become sweet.
Now you know why the neighbors are grinning - but soon you will be laughing.
