Why South Jersey Gardeners Are Putting Soap Around Their Plants

If you're anything like me, you know the feeling.

You spend weeks nurturing your plants, watering them every day, checking for new growth, and imagining all the tomatoes, herbs, and flowers you'll enjoy by the end of summer. Then one hungry critter shows up and wrecks everything overnight.

As a condo-dweller, I don't have space for a full garden, so I rely on pots and planters. Someday I'd love to have a real backyard garden, but for now, my container plants are the closest thing I've got.

Unfortunately, my local groundhog apparently feels the same way.

Best Garden Pest Repellent: Soap?

I'd heard people talk about placing bars of strongly scented soap around gardens to discourage pests, but I always assumed it was one of those old-school gardening myths.

Apparently, plenty of gardeners swear by it.

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The idea is that strong scents can make animals like rabbits, deer, and even groundhogs less likely to snack on your plants. Some people place small chunks of soap around garden beds, while others put pieces inside mesh bags near vulnerable plants.

That's what I'm wondering.

Will Soap Really Deter Groundhogs And Other Pests From Your Garden?

Since my tomatoes and herbs are growing in containers, it seems like placing a small piece of soap near the pots would be easy enough to try. It's certainly cheaper than replacing plants after another groundhog buffet.

At this point, the score is Groundhog 1, Me 0.

If a few bars of soap can help protect what's left of my summer garden, I'm willing to give it a shot. Worst case, my patio smells fresh. Best case, the groundhog finally finds another restaurant.

Plant Some Of These In Your Garden to Keep Mosquitoes Away

As we previously told you, mosquitoes are the most dangerous creatures on earth. If you want to keep them away from you're yard, these plants can help!

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart