Here’s why gardeners are putting a bar of soap by tomato plants this summer (yes, really)
Why are gardeners putting a bar of soap by their tomato plants? It’s not as strange as it sounds.
Gardeners are discovering an unexpected ally in their battle against tomato plant pests: a simple bar of soap. The reason behind this surprising technique lies in the strong odor of Irish Spring Moisture Blast Deodorant Bar Soap, which acts as a potent deterrent for various garden intruders, including deer, squirrels, and birds.
According to a study conducted by the University of Nebraska back in 1991, the scent of a bar of soap can successfully keep deer away from crops during crucial periods, making it a perfect solution to hang by tomato plants. This approach serves as a protective barrier, ensuring that these pests avoid damaging the tomato crops.
To use this method, gardeners can either drill a small hole into the soap, thread some string through it, and hang it from stakes or a plant trellis. Alternatively, they can place the bar soap inside a fine-mesh pouch before hanging it near the plants. Ideally, a single bar of soap should provide sufficient scent protection for tomato plants within a 3-foot radius.
Once the soap's fragrance begins to fade, gardeners can simply replace it with a fresh bar to maintain the protective effect. However, it is important to avoid any contact between the soap and the tomato plants or soil, as the sodium hydroxide (lye) present in the soap can potentially damage the foliage and harm the plant tissues.
By incorporating this easy and inexpensive method, gardeners can enjoy the benefits of growing their own tomatoes without the worry of pesky intruders ruining their hard work.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
