Now I know what was killing my grape vine!
I hate ants! Constant issue in my warm Houston climate. Boiling water works very well, only issue is if they are too close to the plant the hot water will kill the roots too. And of course the soil biota I am directly pouring water on. I have finally gotten them (for the most part) out of the beds, now my issue is in the compost. My compost moves, however with more ants than microbes!
- rainbowgardener
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 25279
- Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 6:04 pm
- Location: TN/GA 7b
In general, ants don't kill living plants. They may bring aphids and protect ("farm") them. Enough aphids can kill a plant or at least seriously weaken it, making it vulnerable to other stuff.
If your compost pile is full of ants, it suggests the pile is staying too dry. Ants can be beneficial to the composting process, but an infestation of them is a nuisance. If you turn / mix your compost pile and moisten it well, the ants will probably move out. Whenever it is dry enough to water my garden, I also water the compost pile. Ideally it stays as damp as a "wrung out sponge."
If your compost pile is full of ants, it suggests the pile is staying too dry. Ants can be beneficial to the composting process, but an infestation of them is a nuisance. If you turn / mix your compost pile and moisten it well, the ants will probably move out. Whenever it is dry enough to water my garden, I also water the compost pile. Ideally it stays as damp as a "wrung out sponge."