Westlake Garden Club

Baking Soda or Coffee Grounds for Blue Hydrangeas: Fact or Fiction? Many gardeners are fascinated by the chameleon-like qualities of hydrangeas, particularly their ability to shift bloom colors from pink to blue. This change is often attributed to soil pH, leading to a common question: can household remedies like baking soda or coffee grounds effectively alter soil pH for these beautiful shrubs? We asked our National Garden Bureau expert members for their take, and here’s what they had to say: Can Baking Soda Change Your Soil pH for Hydrangeas? Proven Winners Color Choice: “No.” “First of all, baking soda is a base, so even if it were effective, it would actually make your soil more alkaline. This is the opposite of what most people are trying to accomplish by changing their soil pH for hydrangeas, which is to turn bigleaf hydrangea ( H. macrophylla) from pink to purple/blue. For a hydrangea to undergo that color change, two things must be true: the soil must contain aluminum, which is what actually affects the change, and it must be acidic. Only in acidic conditions are the aluminum ions free from their bonds so the plant can take them up and metabolize them. Since adding baking soda would actually make the soil more alkaline – if it were effective in the first place, which it isn’t, at least not in any realistic quantity – it would prevent the hydrangea from turning blue. While it is true that in some areas, soil is naturally so acidic, or can become so acidic, that it is not favorable for plant growth, if you were trying to raise the pH of your soil, baking soda would not be the best way to do it from an efficacy or price standpoint. What’s the point of a short-lived soil pH change?” Southern Living® Plant Collection: “No.” “Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a type of salt and is not recommended for use in the garden, as salts can accumulate in the soil over time. First, test your soil to determine the pH; acidic soils will result in blue blooms, while alkaline soils create pink blossoms. The most reliable and safest option for plants is to apply powdered or pelletized sulfur to the soil or use a fertilizer formulated for hydrangeas.” Bloomin’ Easy Plants: “No.” “Products designed to blue hydrangeas or acidify soil are more effective and better long-term. Aluminum sulfate is much more effective. Baking soda is alkaline and will do the opposite.” Lorraine Ballato, All Things Hydrangea: “No.” “Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is actually the active ingredient in many horticultural products labeled for control of powdery mildew. Like all treatments for fungal diseases, it doesn’t reverse the condition, but it does a pretty good job of arresting the pathogen’s progress when applied as a foliar spray. It essentially changes the pH of the foliage, which makes it unpleasant for the fungus. The pH of baking soda is pretty high (about 9-ish). That bit of info tells you that if you apply it to the soil, you have a high probability of raising the pH, which for hydrangeas isn’t good. A good pH for this genus is about 6. When you go lower, you can cause other nutrients to become ineffective and/or unavailable, plus the lower pH can change the color of the flowers in macrophyllas and serratas that are pH sensitive and spoil the health of the plant. Essentially, the science doesn’t support a positive outcome from a home-made use of baking soda for the garden.” Green Fuse® Botanicals: “No.” “There would be variabilities as it comes to soil condition (clay/loam/organic/sand) as well as water volume needed to disperse applications. So, without all the perfectly correct proportions it could easily kill a plant. It makes more sense to use the available products that have been created for this purpose.” Can coffee grounds effectively change the pH of your soil? Southern Living® Plant Collection: “No.” “Unused coffee grounds are highly acidic and aren’t generally recommended to use directly on plants in the garden. Spent coffee grounds have a neutral pH. The safest way to use coffee grounds in the garden is to add spent coffee grounds to your compost and use the compost around your plants once it has matured.” Lorraine Ballato, All Things Hydrangea: “No.” “Used coffee grounds do not change the pH of the soil enough to change hydrangea flower color. There may be a slight change, but as with all soil amendments, it takes time to get through the vascular system of the plant. On the other hand, fresh, unused grounds will burn the life out of the plant. NEVER use them!” Proven Winners Color Choice: “No.” “We hear this question quite a bit, so I will direct you to my go-to source, a Washington State Extension article, since I would just be rephrasing this anyway. The short answer is no, and that if you want to use coffee grounds in the garden, the best thing to do is to put them in your compost pile.” Bloomin’ Easy Plants: “No” “But I do add my used coffee grounds to my compost pile in the summer, and in the winter, I put them directly on my veggie garden and then dig them into the soil before planting.” Realistically, can you change the soil pH enough to impact the color of your hydrangea blooms using these “Homemade” methods? Bloomin’ Easy Plants: “No” “Products designed to blue hydrangeas or acidify soil are more effective and better long-term.” Proven Winners Color Choice: “No.” “If someone is trying to change the color of their hydrangea, we recommend the following: 1. First, you need to have a hydrangea that can change color in the first place. This means it must be one of three types: a big leaf, a mountain hydrangea, or Fairytrail Fresco Cascade Hydrangea. It also must be a pink/purple/blue variety, as white and green hydrangeas of these species will not change color. 2. Ideally, you should get a soil test, so you know whether your soil needs a pH change or aluminum or both, since the soil must be both acidic and contain aluminum to change the flower color. The majority of products on the market are merely soil acidifiers, so if the issue is that your soil doesn’t contain aluminum, such products would acidify your soil without ever changing the flower color. Aluminum is naturally occurring in many soils, but tends to be highest in clay soils over sandy ones. 3. You will always get the best results by using a product made for the purpose and following the package directions carefully.” Southern Living® Plant Collection: “No” “These methods may ultimately harm your plants and the health of the soil. There is no quick fix for changing the color of hydrangeas, and the effects of adjusting the soil pH may take months to produce a noticeable change; it often requires one or two growing seasons.” Does baking soda play any important and beneficial role in other areas of your garden? Lorraine Ballato, All Things Hydrangea Using baking soda for other garden needs has possibilities, but not enough to compensate for the potential adverse impacts. If economy is the driving factor in not buying a garden-approved bicarbonate treatment, it’s important to note that a very small jar is relatively cheap. Plus, you only use a very small amount of the product to get the right mix. Neem is just as good if not better. Copper-based products should be avoided as copper persists in the soil and is harmful to earthworms. Bloomin’ Easy Plants We don’t recommend using baking soda as pest control; it is easy to overdo it and do damage, so if you do want to try it, always test a bit first before you spray your whole garden. Baking soda can be used on garden tools and as a deodorizer for compost bins. If you want to help your tomatoes and peppers to produce well, you should be adding lime to the soil to add calcium and raise the pH a bit. Southern Living® Plant Collection Baking soda is not recommended for use on plants in the garden, as it is a type of salt and can be toxic to plants if overused. However, it can help remove rust on tools when mixed into a paste. Proven Winners Color Choice: Not really. While it has shown some promise in treating certain fungal diseases, it seems its strongest abilities are related to post-harvest processing and are more commercial in nature, according to this Washing State Extension article. From a home gardener perspective, it seems it is most effective if mixed with a horticultural oil or another spreader sticker according to this article from the University of Florida Extension. This obviously increases the cost and difficulty in applying such solutions so you’d be better off buying a soap or neem oil or some other product expressly created for the purpose. More info here from the University of Illinois that may be of interest. Though there are many claims out there that sprinkling baking soda around tomato plants results in sweeter fruit, no studies have been able to prove any effect. So the best way to change the color of a hydrangea is by: • Having a soil test to see the pH of your soil • Use proper ingredients that are made for this purpose.
Source: National Garden Bureau

How to Beautify Your Side Yard
What lurks in your side yard? Is it a space to hide eye sores, like trash and recycling containers? Do you collect bits and pieces of lumber for ongoing home improvement projects? Or is it simply a bland pathway, leading from the front yard to the back garden, with a privacy fence sheltering your property from neighbors’ prying eyes?
Whether you live in a brand-new urban home with a small yard, a pretty cottage on a mid-sized property, or a renovated 1800s farmhouse on acreage, side yards are notoriously neglected. After all, the front and back gardens are the stars of most homes: the front landscape focuses on curb appeal, making sure the gardens and plantings show off your home to its best advantage, while the back garden showcases your favorite flowers, homegrown foods, hobbies, and relaxation retreats. Most homeowners think of side yards as simply a way to get from point A- the front yard -to point B—the back, without considering the aesthetic appeal.
But as new-builds lots shrink, every square inch of garden should be carefully considered for its practical, as well as pretty, integration into the landscape. And even larger landscapes benefit when side yards blend seamlessly into the overall design of the garden.
So, instead of relegating side yards to drab, unsightly spaces, create an inviting secret nook that’s ideal for reading a book, a pretty, practical pathway that leads to the back garden, or a whimsical, flower-filled space surrounding a potting bench where you can cultivate plants with pleasure. Curious how to create a gorgeous side yard?

Beginner Tip: Just as with any garden space, test your soil before planting to determine its pH, as well to check if the soil needs any amendments.
A soil test typically costs about the price of a cup of coffee and provides a detailed analysis of what nutrients might be missing to help you better prep before planting. Most local university extension offices provide soil tests.
How to Design an Attractive Side Yard Garden
A well-planned garden contains an array of plants that provide structure, texture, color, fragrance, and flowers. In a side yard garden, you’ll benefit from choosing your plantings carefully, because most side yards tend to be narrow, giving you a more intimate experience with the plants.
Brush by a fragrant lily, notice the crinkled patterns of hydrangea leaves, run your fingers through grassy plumes—a well-designed side yard can provide a more personal experience than large landscape installations.
Before you order your first plant or head to the nursery, spend some time evaluating your side yard.
• Consider the space. Measure the area, but also look at the light at different times throughout the day—as well as throughout the year. Many side yards are dark and narrow due to fences or shadows thrown by the house. Determine the amount of sunlight the space receives to help you choose plants that will thrive.
• Determine the function. How will you use the side yard? Do you intend to create a beautiful path between front and back gardens? Is there space for a sitting area or a chair tucked into a nook? Can you place a potting bench–or add an entire garden shed in a larger side yard?
• Dream a bit. Flip through garden design books. Take a garden tour. Create a Pinterest board and fill it with your favorite side yard images. Let inspiration from other gardens help guide your design.
• Create a plan. Draw a rough sketch of the side yard, adding in the elements you desire. Can you create garden beds, or is there space for containers? Will you add vertical plantings along fences, walls, or even a chimney? Place products you’d like to incorporate, like chairs or art, in the sketch, as well as outline pathways.
• Watch the scale. Select plants and products that work within the space. Be careful not to overwhelm small areas with bulky furniture—or bulky plants.
• Let your personality shine. While front gardens tend to complement the home’s exterior, side gardens can get away with a little more whimsy. Add your favorite sculpture. Display a bevy of bird houses. Create a riot of color. Or, if you prefer, tie in your side garden to continue the front garden’s task of complementing your home.
The goal is to prettify a previously neglected space, so choose what appeals to you.

Beginner Tip: If your side yard garden is extremely narrow, avoid planting thorny, prickly plants that may snag your clothes—or your skin—as you pass.

Choose Features to Make a Side Yard Garden Feel More Spacious
Creating a side yard garden mimics many of the same strategies and components used when designing any garden space. An attractive mix of structures, hardscapes, plants, and accessories creates visual appeal. And because many side yards are small and narrow, often vertical elements help create a feeling of spaciousness.
When designing a side yard garden, consider:
• Gates and Arbors: Not only do gates lend privacy to garden spaces, both gates and arbors help define the spaces, creating a notable entry into the side yard from other points in the garden. The height of arbors or pergolas draws the eye upward, giving the side garden a feeling of spaciousness. Allowing glimpses into the front and back gardens from the side yard gives the illusion of a bigger space.
• Pathways: The side garden is a pathway between destinations, so why not make that pathway pretty? Whether you use gravel, bricks, pavers, or stepping stones, installing a curved pathway or irregularly placed stepping stones makes the side garden feel less tunnel-like.
• Accessories: Adding touches like a small bistro table, a statue, art, containers, a bench, or a water feature provides a focal point, allowing the eye to rest. Be careful not to place too many accessories in a small side garden, though. Accessories should make the space feel interesting and spacious, not cluttered. Consider the scale of the pieces you choose to complement the size of the space.
• Lighting: Pathway lights, uplighting, spotlights, string lights. Not only does lighting add ambiance to side gardens, but it also provides an element of safety when strolling along the side garden at night. (Just remember to turn off the lights during peak bird migration seasons.)
• So many plants, so little space. When choosing plants for your side garden, keep in mind the scale of the space. Small, urban side yards require compact plants that won’t overwhelm the space—or whack you in the face as you walk along the path. Plants for larger side yards still need careful selection to ensure that they’ll thrive.

It’s OK to have only a single garden bed on one side of a wide walkway in a side yard garden. It’s better to design a wider walkway than include too many garden beds that make navigating a side yard difficult.
As with any garden, spend some time analyzing your side yard garden space before selecting plants.
Factors to consider include:
• Light. Many side yards tend to be dark and narrow, a small space crammed between a privacy fence and the exterior wall of a house. Plants that thrive in deep shade should comprise your shopping list for a dark side yard. Other side yards may be hot and sunny, with light reflecting off hardscapes. Choose tough, drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants for these spaces.
• Soil. Is the soil rich and well-draining, or is it rock-hard, compacted red clay? Before you dig your first hole, assess the soil to determine its composition. A soil test is always a great idea to determine the soil’s pH and whether you need amendments. Choose plants with cultural requirements that match your soil’s composition.
• Drainage. If deep shade is the reality of your side yard, the soil may tend to stay wetter longer—which is not great for plants that dislike wet feet. Check the soil and add amendments if needed—sand, gravel, compost—to help improve drainage.
• Containers. Decorative containers add flair to the side garden and provide an easy way to control soil quality. Plus, containers allow you to easily change plantings throughout the seasons. However, make sure to select containers on scale with the space. Large containers overwhelm small side gardens.
• Space. For truly space-challenged side gardens, focus on softening walkway edges. Add ground cover plants to create visual interest without overwhelming the space. Larger side gardens can support more plants—even shrubs and trees, when designed well. Limbing up trees allows the space to feel more open, drawing the eye upward.
• Vertical Elements. Small spaces benefit by growing up: vines on an arbor, vertical planters on walls, window boxes on the house, espaliered trees against a fence. If you think you don’t have room in your side garden, always look up—the possibilities are endless.
National Garden Bureau