just_the_scraps_m'am

great observation, i think that's exactly what we have!

earthwalker

I never use chemicals in my garden, use natural fertilizers/minerals. Weeds/kikuyu get pulled up and composted, paths, just use boiling water, ants, just cheap dish detergent and water.

Misty's Mom

Doesn't the extra strong white vinegar kill weeds?

Brandonsnana

I use a mixture of 1 gallon white vinegar, 2 cups of Epsom salt and 1/4 cup of dawn dish soap. Mix it together and you can pour it on or use a sprayer. Usually works in 2-3 days.

lovelyl

My MIL's neighbor professionally sprayed lawns for a living. He died very young ( early 40's) from some strange form of cancer. Rumor was it was from not wearing a mask when he sprayed...

elnan

Since I read several articles about how Roundup is now in genetically modified seed corn, I buy only organic corn products, such as in cereal, canned corn or chips. Mary Jane Butters of "Mary Jane's Farm" has written about this. The man next door is in love with roundup, yet he thinks ivy is a desirable plant. He still can't figure out why the roses planted at the fence line posts died. They planted, then sprayed all around with roundup. There is not a day here in our SW WA area that there is not a breeze.

Wintersewer

Weed killer: 1 quart vinegar, 1T salt, 1T Dawn dish detergent. Spray liberally....kills vegetation in hours. I use it all the time. (Heat vinegar to help dissolve the salt.)

Snooze2978

Where I have just weeds and no grass or flowers I use the mixture of apple cider vinegar, salt and Dawn dish soap. Read about this I think on this digest so tried it out as I'd like to try to stay as eco friendly as possible. Takes a few days to work but it does work...............at least for me. My neighbor tried it and it didn't work for him so I guess its a 50-50 chance. Otherwise I go out to pull weeds most every morning early before it heats up. Gives me a reason to get some fresh air and to take a stroll around the gardens.

For bugs outside I check online to see what should be planted next to what to keep the bugs at bay such as garlic around your roses. I've used Irish Spring soap to keep the critters out of the gardens but didn't find that to work too well.

Wintersewer

You don't need "Extra strong" white vinegar. Agricultural vinegar is 20% acidity and is VERY caustic and dangerous, requiring protective gear. Homeowners do not need this stuff. It's expensive, too.

Wintersewer

I'm surprised to hear this....my vinegar mixture killed in hours. Do you dissolve the salt???