How do I keep pests away?

Hi guys!

I’m very new at growing vegetables. I picked it up because I learned I cannot have houseplants anymore due to my cats destroying everything.

I picked up garden herbs and vegetables and it’s amazing how much joy it brings me to see actually veggies grow.

Now I have a pest problem. I live in Central Arkansas, where it’s very humid now and we’re at a very rainy season. I am getting little spiders, some dark slugs, and not looking pests. I should’ve taken pictures, but maybe next time I can add some if this post alone isn’t helping.

How do I keep these pests away? What has worked for all of you? My mom suggested a vinegar and water and the spray it but it’s only worked on some of my babies.

If it helps the herbs and vegetables, I have are a lettuce combination, thyme, tomatoes, various peppers, such as Serrano, jalapeño and habaneros. I also have. Sweet, mint peppermint, Mojito, man and cilantro, parsley, a watermelon plants, chamomile, and a few other others that I cannot remember off the top of my head.

What is everyone’s recommendation? Anything helps thanks.