[header] How to use baking soda in the garden [title] Test the ph level of your soil. [step] Wet your soil a bit with distilled water. Sprinkle a handful of baking soda over the damp soil. 
If it begins to bubble, your soil is acidic, meaning its ph is below 5, and will not be able to support healthy plant growth. [substeps] If your soil is acidic, you can raise its ph level by mixing ground or powdered lime into the soil.