Hi to all.....
Am in the midst of preparing ground for runner bean plants. The home-made compost I am hoping to incorporate was, at least until a month ago, teeming with ants. Can't see any signs at the moment, but have to say haven't delved that far down.
My question is, when I upend this lot onto the ground, should I wait before digging in and planting out, hoping ants are going to make a beeline for the coast somewhere....or are they likely to lay in wait anticipating the succulence of my runner bean roots?
Any ideas?
Glory B
Composted Ants versus Runner Bean Plants
Moderators: KG Steve, Chantal, Tigger, peter
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oldherbaceous
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My goodness Glory B, what problems you do get. 
I'm sure when you upend your compost heap, if there are any ants in it they will disperse quite quickly.
They won't remake there nest under your runner beans, so please don't worry unduly.
The biggest problem you might have is with that age old saying, mind you don't get ants in your pants.
Kind regards the Old Herbal Remedy.
Theres no fool like an old fool.
I'm sure when you upend your compost heap, if there are any ants in it they will disperse quite quickly.
They won't remake there nest under your runner beans, so please don't worry unduly.
The biggest problem you might have is with that age old saying, mind you don't get ants in your pants.
Kind regards the Old Herbal Remedy.
Theres no fool like an old fool.
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peter
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Do ants eat beans?
They farm aphids I know, but leaf cutter ants are tropical aren't they.
Why worry?
They farm aphids I know, but leaf cutter ants are tropical aren't they.
Why worry?
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Garlic_Guy
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peter wrote:leaf cutter ants are tropical aren't they.
Excellent! I'm going to have to reserve that excuse in case any of my crops fail.
Don't think it will convince my wife though...!
Thanks for your replies.....
It was the roots of the bean plants I was concerned about not the leaves.
Roses I've tried to grow in the past have had their roots 'undermined' if that is the right word, by ants.
When I emptied it out there were a number of them along with their pupae, but had no need to worry after all. The robin came straight down and spent a couple of hours going backwards and forwards to its nest with beakfuls of the things. Then a couple of blackbirds started scratching around (still there late evening) obviously well and truly in their element.
Glory B
It was the roots of the bean plants I was concerned about not the leaves.
Roses I've tried to grow in the past have had their roots 'undermined' if that is the right word, by ants.
When I emptied it out there were a number of them along with their pupae, but had no need to worry after all. The robin came straight down and spent a couple of hours going backwards and forwards to its nest with beakfuls of the things. Then a couple of blackbirds started scratching around (still there late evening) obviously well and truly in their element.
Glory B