Grated Irish Spring
by
KD Redlowske
+4
Hi, I know I've read numerous times about using Irish Spring Soap spread around the garden to keep animals out. I was just finishing up spreading some around my bulbs that are coming up, when I had this thought. When it rains or they are watered what happens to the soap? Does it dissolve, leave suds, or is it okay? Would a new batch need to be resprinkled? If it dissolves or leave suds how will it affect
the garden?
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It will keep some animals out but it is not fool proof. I read about putting chucks in cloth bags and then tying the bags to small posts. If it rains, it will dissolve (either your way or the bagged way) but it will be so slowly that the soil should not be harmed. You might have to do another application as once the scent is gone, the rodents may return.
This method is not a proven method ,what works for some may not work for others, many place the soap in a old stocking and hang it.Honestly I would resort to other methods and it depends on what critters are out there
supposedly moth balls in bags work also
Hi KD,
Moth balls are very toxic - be careful. From what I've read Irish Spring is great for repelling deer. I know most articles say to shred it, but it will melt faster when it rains. Another option is to use whole bars, drill holes in them and string them along the garden. It takes longer for them to melt that way. It must be reapplied occasionally over the summer. Click on the link below for more ideas.
https://susiej.com/hot-pepper-toilet-paper-tubes-and-irish-spring/
Put the soap around your garden.
Irish Spring won’t hurt the garden, whether wet, dry, or soapy. But make sure you don’t get so much on your walkway that you slip when walking by. Respray after a good rain. Btw, Walmart and other companies have their own cheaper brand of Irish Spring that smells just as strong.