Bar Soap Garden Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew All Summer
Bar soap might seem like something that belongs only in the bathroom, but it has a surprising number of uses in the garden of all places. With just a bar or two, you can solve a surprising number of common gardening problems and keep your plants thriving for longer. Give these hacks a try and see how they change your gardening routine!
1. Keep Deer and Rabbits Away
Many animals, especially deer and rabbits, dislike the scent of bar soap, especially stronger-smelling varieties. Hanging soap shavings or small chunks in mesh bags around your garden can help deter deer and rabbits from nibbling on your plants. You can grate the soap and sprinkle it around, or cut the bar into chunks and either hang or stake them into the ground.
2. Repair Stuck Zippers
Gardeners often rely on tool bags, specialty covers, or jackets with zippers. When those zippers get stuck, a little bar soap can help. Rub it gently along the teeth, then move the zipper up and down to spread it evenly. The soap generally acts as a lubricant, getting things moving smoothly again. It’s especially useful for items that are exposed to the elements, where grit and rust can make zippers jam.
3. Stop Tools from Rusting
Before storing your metal gardening tools, rub the working ends over a bar of soap. This applies a thin protective layer that helps keep moisture from sitting on and thus rusting your tools. It also makes them easier to clean after use, since dirt won’t stick to them. This could even save you money in the long run by extending the life of your tools and keeping them in better condition!
4. Prevent Splinters
Wooden stakes can develop rough edges or splinters over time. Rubbing a bar of soap along them helps smooth the surface and makes it easier to push them into the soil. This also helps prevent hand injuries and reduces wear on the stakes themselves. If you replace your stakes seasonally, this step can also make them last longer before needing to be discarded.
5. Help Latches Open And Close
Garden sheds and outdoor furniture drawers often get stiff in the summer heat. Rubbing bar soap along the edges or moving parts helps them open and close more easily, again acting as a lubricant. It’s a quick fix that doesn’t require oil or special products, and it works on both wood and metal.
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Bar soap is far more versatile than it looks. These tricks are easy, quick, and cheap to try, no risk with lots of potential rewards. Whether you’re protecting your plants from hungry visitors or making your tools last longer, a simple bar of soap can be a helpful ally in your garden all summer long.
Daniel Mitchell
