WEED KILLER. Open a 1-gallon container of white vinegar and pour off at least 1 inch to create headspace. Add 2 cups of table salt and 8 drops of liquid dishwashing soap to the vinegar. Shake to dissolve. Cover tightly, label and store in a safe place. Pour into a plastic spray bottle and spray all unwanted vegetation.

Caution: This will kill any living plant material, so beware. Repeated use will eventually sterilize the soil so nothing will grow, even good stuff. This recipe is great for driveways, walkways, edging and places where you do not want anything to grow.

INSECT SOAP. Insect soaps are available in any organic gardening aisle, but gardeners can make a homemade spray that's just as effective for aphids, caterpillars, and mites. Add 3 drops of mild dishwashing liquid to 1 quart of water. Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Dispense through a spray bottle. Spray plants to the point of drenching, but don't spray on blossoms.

HOT PEPPER BUG REPELLENT. Even if you don't like spicy foods, you should plant a row of hot chili pepper plants in your garden for their bug repelling effects. Place a handful of dried hot peppers in the food processor, seeds and all, and grind to a dust. Take care not to get the dust on your skin or eyes. Sprinkle around garden plants to repel ants, onion maggots and other pests.

SQUIRREL REPELLENT. Mix 1 ounce Murphy's Oil Soap, 1 ounce Tabasco® sauce and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper thoroughly. Pour into a large spray bottle. Fill the bottle with water and mix. Spray areas where squirrels are unwanted. Mixture does not harm the squirrels; it repels them.