I like the little wire cages to keep the critters off. I use crushed eggshells around mine when I plant them. It seems to keep the slugs off. I just used the Agricultural Vinegar all around my gardens two days ago. I have so many weeds that I would never get them all. So far, most died, and I topped them with a thick layer of mulch. Next year, I am going to look into getting Preen for the beds that don't have vegetables to help stop the seeds from germinating.