GardenersCardiff answers:

I really hate slugs…
I heard that if you put pennies or copper anything around where they are that they will flee from it and maintain a 5 foot radius.
I also found this on a site and I believe it will help.

“Many insects, including ants, can be repelled from gardens by sprinkling hot chile powder (e.g., red pepper, cayenne powder ) around and on the plants. These powders will need to be renewed after a rain, however. The amount to use is mostly determined by trial and error. The ants usually will not walk across the powder, so putting a good amount on any paths will help, but a nice dusting everywhere in addition to that is usually the best approach.

For the most economic plan, grow your own hot chiles, dry*, and powder them with a mortar and pestle. The hottest varieties will provide the most potent powder, so some very good choices are any of the Chinense varietals such as Habanero. They are also thinner-walled chiles and, therefore, easier to dry quickly before they are able to mold.

*An easy and quick method of drying is to cut thin-walled chiles (such as Habanero) into small pieces and microwave until totally dry. Food dehydrators will also give directions on how to dry vegetables such as chiles.

Be very careful to avoid breathing or getting the dust on your body or in your eyes. It is best to do the grinding into powders outside, and the easiest method is to use an old coffee grinder dedicated for that use. (Add some plastic wrap under the lid to assure a good seal). But, you can purchase the powders from the spice sections at the grocery to do the same thing. The more you use, the better the repellent effect.

The chiles contain a substance called capsaicin which is an irritant to the ants and other insects. That is what the chile plant uses it for, too. NouGuard, a commercial repellent for ants, is made with capsaicin as a primary component.

A mixture can also be made using the powder mixed in water or in a solution of 1 ½ teaspoons of Dawn liquid detergent per one quart of water to spray on the plants. The “soap” (detergent) adds an extra insecticidal component, but is a safe alternative to more toxic chemical pesticides and works along with the repellent qualities of the capsaicin to take care of the problem. (Make a paste of chile powder and a small amount of water for use inside the house. Place a small dab of the paste at the points of entry and on obvious ant trails.)

A mixture of chile powders with other known ant repellents can add to the effectiveness (but also adds to the costs). Some of those other natural repellents include: mint (fresh or dried), cinnamon, and dill. If you grow your own mint and dill, their very presence in the garden will help, and, when needed, you can dry and sprinkle their powders along with the chiles’.”
Hope I helped
– Jackie

GardenersCardiff answers:

No.

Just make sure to buy the kind you WANT, and, no matter what, only spray the gravel.

It is only a hazard to the leaves, IF you buy the non-sterilizing type

GardenersCardiff answers:

I would probably not spray weed killer since over-spray can easily kill wanted plants along with unwanted weeds. The best method is by hand or garden tool of choice. If you miss a weed and notice it later, simply pull off any blooms, this will at least prevent weeds from spreading. The best way ( I have found) to prevent weeds from returning is using newspaper. I put down several layers (5-6 layers) over where I have weeded, and cover the newspaper with mulch. The newspaper prevents the weeds I may have missed from surviving and decays over time and helps build better soil. It is better than landscape fabric because I can easily plant in it without getting something to cut the landscape fabric with. Besides it makes a good recycle. The key for the future is preventing weeds in the first place. And don’t worry if you have a few weeds, I dare say most people who garden do, if they’ll admit it.

GardenersCardiff answers:

Cat nip is easy to grow and it makes a nice relaxing tea