Indoor Herb Garden, More Than We Bargained For.

Excited to get a jump on Spring, we planted an indoor herb garden about a month ago (ah, the urban life!) We buried organic seeds of basil, thyme, chives, and mache, watered about twice a week, and waiting in anticipation as a child-like wonder came over us.

Though a bit delayed, our seeds finally sprouted after a 20 day germination. The herbs bursted with tiny leaves... what a success!

However, as our seedlings continued to sprout and grow, so did an unexpected garden guest, the fruit fly. First one... then a dozen, where did they come from and how do we get rid of them?

I was put on this task and researched several 'green' methods for getting rid of our pest:

• trap them using a dust buster or vacuum with a hose.
• trap them using a bowl. Put a skinless piece of fruit or a splash of balsamic vinegar in a bowl. Cover the bowl with a tight piece of plastic wrap and poke holes in the plastic with a fork. Flies will fly in but be unable to escape.
• kill them using a mixture of 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of water and 1-2 drops of dish soap in a dark bowl or mug. The cider vinegar will attract them and the soap will reduce the surface tension of the liquid and cause the flies to sink and drown. (If cider vinegar doesn't work, try soy sauce.)

Wish us luck! I will let you know what works for us.