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Composted Ants versus Runner Bean Plants
Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 12:15 pm
by Glory B
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
Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 1:31 pm
by oldherbaceous
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.
Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 11:12 pm
by peter
Do ants eat beans?
They farm aphids I know, but leaf cutter ants are tropical aren't they.
Why worry?
Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 2:08 am
by Garlic_Guy
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...!
Runner bean roots
Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:01 am
by Glory B
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
Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:08 am
by Carole B.
You're the birds best friend now Glory B.Nice when a solution flies down out of the trees!
Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 4:21 pm
by Glory B
Yep it sure is Carole.
It reminded me of that saying.....
"You scratch my back - I'll scratch yours"
All the best,
Glory B.