Gardeners urged to scatter baking soda on lawn in October

Some gardeners love the look of moss. It's a natural plant which has existed for millions of years, it supports biodiversity and it strips carbon out of the air and traps it.

But not everyone is keen on the mossy look on their lawns and prefer to remove some of it to encourage more grass growth instead.

According to garden experts, there is an easy way to strip unwanted moss out of lawnsand garden areas - using good old baking soda. The powder, as the name suggests, usually used in cooking, is also known as bicarbonate of soda and can be put to work in the garden to banish moss.

Garden site Backyard Boss says: "Moss is a fascinating plant species that has existed since the late Ordovician period, over 450 million years ago. As one of the world's oldest plants, moss lives all over the planet and in nearly every ecosystem imaginable, from tropical rainforests to mountain peaks and everywhere in between.

"It's a tough plant, which makes it difficult to kill moss when it appears in lawn and garden areas.

"Baking soda is one of those household products that's everywhere. Though it is used in baking, it has gone on to become a famous household hack that can be used for everything from polishing to removing grime to garden care.

"Sodium bicarbonate is an effective way to get rid of moss in your garden and around your home. It's non-toxic, so it won't harm wildlife, and it is relatively inexpensive. Plus, it's easy to apply! Killing moss with this product is an accessible method that won't break the bank."

To use baking soda/bicarb to kill moss, simply soak the moss in water for two to three hours. This also works on patios and paving slabs.

Then, create a solution to treat the moss, such as pouring one cup of baking soda into a large container, then adding about 3.7 litres of water.

Pour this into a spray bottle and then spritz the moss you want to treat, though try to avoid other plants or grass you want to keep alive.

Once you've got dead moss, you can simply add this to your compost pile.

It may be worth leaving some moss alive in parts of your lawn or garden though, as it has great benefits to the environment.

As Backyard Boss adds: "It has a spongy texture and a bright green hue, and in nature, it helps break down rock.

"The process releases minerals into the soil, allowing for better nutrient absorption by plants and animals in the surrounding area.

"With these nutrients available, plant life grows healthier and more abundant, helping create a balanced ecosystem with plenty of vegetation for wildlife."