On May 20, 11:28*pm, (Peter Robinson) wrote:
wrote:
I have discovered there are ants in my compost bin which surprised me
because I thought the temperature would get too high.

Ants are *everywhere* outside. *If it's heating well and turned
regularly, they probably won't move in, but you're not going to stop
them foraging.

I don't mind that - only that ant powder was put in & also, as I said,
that my compost bin wasn't working right.

I have a massive compost heap at the bottom of the garden but this is just
one of those plastic bin things.
I've also been informed that someone put any killer powder in there a
few months ago. So, 2 questions I'd love answers to, why are there
ants, I've never had a compost before where I could see 'creepy
crawlies' in it

What, not even worms? *In a 'massive heap at the bottom of the garden'
that astonishes me. *Next time you're turning it, stop and look
closely...

I'm semi-retired now & have time to work on the garden & also less
money to spend on a gardener; I've never really done the garden myself
before, I've been learning in the last couple of years, to plant stuff
& I enjoy mowing the lawns & even weeding can be fun; I still have
occasional help since it is a decent sized garden & I've not been well
but I'm trying to become self-sufficient. So, I've never actually had
to touch the compost heap - dare I admit that I didn't know it needs
'turning' & it's in the corner of the wild area where I rarely
venture, so I'll go and pay it a visit.

& secondly, is the compost safe to put on my herb
garden, since it's had poison in it.

I'd be reassured that the ants have moved back in despite the poison,
but if you're worried, use it as mulch round the non-edible bits of your
garden.

I've been trying to grow organic herbs but feel this ant-killer powder
has compromised that.

Well yes, but your garden, your rules. *It's not like you're going to
get inspected and certified organic.

Peter
True, but I'm so pedantic, I've been wanting to have an organic herb
garden for years - rather than just pots on my kitchen windowsill and
since I'm going to be cooking with these plants I'd rather like them
to be as toxic-free as possible.

Thanks for your comments
Chrissy