Question
I use mothballs around the outside edge of my garden.
How far away should I place it so that it doesn't  absorb into garden soil?

Answer
Hi Melody, I'd stay a foot away from your garden.  However, I've never seen mothballs labeled for garden use, I'd be much more comfortable using a product that is labeled as a repellent.  Some have naphathalene in them and can be used around the perimeter of a garden, not in them.  Jim