FAIRFIELD – Bob Ferguson is on a mission to rid downtown Fairfield of weeds.

Ferguson is a member of the Fairfield Beautification Commission, and is spearheading its “weed-free team” that’s tackling undesirable plants that grow in sidewalk cracks and in the alleys. He dons a backpack sprayer filled with a non-toxic weed killer made of a gallon of vinegar, a cup of Epsom salt and a tablespoon of dish liquid (though Ferguson personally likes Shaklee Basic-H Cleaner). This solution desiccates the weeds, and within a few days they’re dead.