7 outdoor uses for baby powder you probably didn’t know about

Baby powder is pretty versatile. You can use it in place of dry shampoo to soak up oil in your hair, to remove grease stains and, of course, on actual babies. But did you know that there are several uses for baby powder in your garden?

Check out this list of seven clever ways to use baby powder outdoors.

1. Get Rid Of Ants And Other Bugs

Just sprinkle some of the white powder around your foundation and doorways, and ants will take a hike. If aphids and beetles are a problem, it works on them, too. The baby powder acts as a barrier, as well as discouraging the pests from feasting on your plants because of the taste.

2. Keep Rabbits At Bay

Although rabbits may be cuter than bugs, that won’t stop them from nibbling away at your plants. If a fence is too much work and you don’t feel comfortable using a trap, a sprinkling of baby powder will just as easily do the trick.

3. Discourage Nighttime Pests

Just because the sun has set doesn’t mean you’re done with critters trying to ruin you garden. Raccoons and opossums are notorious for sneaking into the garbage while you sleep, and it turns out they don’t mind feasting on your vegetables either. Although it seems like the pesky animals will eat anything, the feel of the powder on their paws that bothers them.

4. Give Your Bulbs Some TLC

Pampering with baby powder isn’t just for actual babies. If you dust your bulbs with baby powder when they’re still indoors, it will provide extra protection against rodents before the bulbs are planted in the ground. It will also protect the roots from rotting. Simply place five to six bulbs in a zip-top bag with three tablespoons of baby powder and shake to coat.

5. Soften Your Gloves

After a long day working in the garden, you may notice that your hands are raw and red. Try sprinkling some baby powder inside the gloves before you begin working, which will make them easier to take on and off while also softening your skin.

6. Make Your Tools Easier On Your Hands, Too

If you ever get blisters after working with gardening tools such as spades, shears and shovels, try dusting them with a little baby powder to protect your hands. A bonus is that the powder will add some friction to prevent the tools from slipping from your hands as you work.

7. Deodorize Your Shoes

If your gardening clogs or tennis shoes are smelling less than fresh after a day spent tending to your plants, add some baby powder to the soles, which will soak up excess moisture and add a pleasant scent.

[h/t: Tip Hero]