I’ve gotten my garden in, but like many have to deal with pests and weeds. Today I’ve got some tips for you on how to deal with a common pest – the fungus gnat – as well as weeds. Both of these ways avoid using pesticides and nasty weed killers in order to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Fungus Gnat Treatment

Fungus gnats are one of the most annoying and common insects in your garden and houseplants. Once they get established, they can be devastating and they can also bite. Ugh. The treatment actually targets their food and not the actual insect. But eliminate their meals and you eliminate them.

The easy fix is to take a tablespoon or two of ground cinnamon and work it into the top inch or so of soil in the pot. You can water lightly, but if at all possible, let the soil get dry. Before you water again, treat again with the cinnamon and water lightly. Let it dry again and by now the fungus gnats will hopefully be gone!

Weed Killer

I’m sure you’ve seen the news about the possible cancer risks of certain weed killers. This mix has nothing harmful and it’s great for walkways and other places where you want to stop weeds. Just one word of warning: Since it does contain salt you may not want to use it on certain pavers or if you eventually want to plant in that area or where it can runoff into gardening areas. Salted soil will definitely negatively impact any future plants. Otherwise, this is great for controlling weeds without harming people or pets.

Thanks to my nephew for his formula, affectionately called “Italian dressing.”

Fill a squirt bottle almost to the top with distilled white vinegar which is cheap and easy to find.

Add several drops of dishwashing liquid.

Add a few tablespoons of plain salt. You can also use epsom salts.

Shake until salt is dissolved and spray away anywhere you want to kill or stop weeds.