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#1
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compost
I have discovered there are ants in my compost bin which surprised me
because I thought the temperature would get too high. 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 & secondly, is the compost safe to put on my herb garden, since it's had poison in it. I've been trying to grow organic herbs but feel this ant-killer powder has compromised that. I'd be grateful fo rany help with this, Chrissy |
#2
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compost
On May 18, 6:28*am, Chrissy wrote:
I have discovered there are ants in my compost bin which surprised me because I thought the temperature would get too high. 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 & secondly, is the compost safe to put on my herb garden, since it's had poison in it. I've been trying to grow organic herbs but feel this ant-killer powder has compromised that. I'd be grateful fo rany help with this, Chrissy Hi Chrissy: does it not seem ironic that you are keen on "organic" herbs and worried about ants? The ants are harmless but the antkiller will technicaly make yer organic herbs not organic if you use it. Just dump the current compost somewhere harmless (use it as a mulch or dig it in where you do not mind if it is organic or not). Ants are common in compost. If the heap stays put for long, they often build nests in them. Putting in any killer is likely to kill all manner of other insects that help the compost heap to function well. An active compost heap will have tons of creepy crawlies (worms are the most useful). Des |
#3
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compost
On May 18, 10:44*am, Des Higgins wrote:
On May 18, 6:28*am, Chrissy wrote: I have discovered there are ants in my compost bin which surprised me because I thought the temperature would get too high. 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 & secondly, is the compost safe to put on my herb garden, since it's had poison in it. I've been trying to grow organic herbs but feel this ant-killer powder has compromised that. I'd be grateful fo rany help with this, Chrissy Hi Chrissy: *does it not seem ironic that you are keen on "organic" herbs and worried about ants? *The ants are harmless but the antkiller will technicaly make yer organic herbs not organic if you use it. Just dump the current compost somewhere harmless (use it as a mulch or dig it in where you do not mind if it is organic or not). *Ants are common in compost. *If the heap stays put for long, they often build nests in them. *Putting in any killer is likely to kill all manner of other insects that help the compost heap to function well. *An active compost heap will have tons of creepy crawlies (worms are the most useful). Des I wasn't worried about the ants as such, I have a corner of my garden left pretty much for wildlife, I love most creatures (not mosquitoes or bluebottles) & am a vegan so wouldn't use poisons anyway; it was someone I have in to help me, that obviously thought it was a good idea. I was concerned that, if they were in the compost, the compost heap was maybe not working properly, thanks for reassuring me about this. I'll use this compost around my roses & other flowers but not near any edibles; I don't know what type of ant killer was used but imagine that the active ingredient might break down anyway & that even if it didn't, the plants wouldn't take it up? Thanks again for a really useful reply. Chrissy |
#4
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compost
Chrissy writes:
I have discovered there are ants in my compost bin which surprised me because I thought the temperature would get too high. I have a massive compost heap at the bottom of the garden but this is just one of those plastic bin things. It might be too dry, the contents should be about as soggy as a recently squeezed sponge. Ants tend to favour it being warm though not hot, try giving the heap a bucket of water and a good stir. Anthony |
#5
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compost
On May 18, 12:55*pm, wrote:
Chrissy writes: I have discovered there are ants in my compost bin which surprised me because I thought the temperature would get too high. I have a massive compost heap at the bottom of the garden but this is just one of those plastic bin things. It might be too dry, the contents should be about as soggy as a recently squeezed sponge. Ants tend to favour it being warm though not hot, try giving the heap a bucket of water and a good stir. * * * * * * Anthony Thank you, I'll do that and leave it for another couple of weeks & then put it on my flowers. Chrissy |
#6
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compost
On May 18, 11:39 am, Chrissy wrote:
On May 18, 10:44 am, Des Higgins wrote: On May 18, 6:28 am, Chrissy wrote: I have discovered there are ants in my compost bin which surprised me because I thought the temperature would get too high. 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 & secondly, is the compost safe to put on my herb garden, since it's had poison in it. I've been trying to grow organic herbs but feel this ant-killer powder has compromised that. I'd be grateful fo rany help with this, Chrissy Hi Chrissy: does it not seem ironic that you are keen on "organic" herbs and worried about ants? The ants are harmless but the antkiller will technicaly make yer organic herbs not organic if you use it. Just dump the current compost somewhere harmless (use it as a mulch or dig it in where you do not mind if it is organic or not). Ants are common in compost. If the heap stays put for long, they often build nests in them. Putting in any killer is likely to kill all manner of other insects that help the compost heap to function well. An active compost heap will have tons of creepy crawlies (worms are the most useful). Des I wasn't worried about the ants as such, I have a corner of my garden left pretty much for wildlife, I love most creatures (not mosquitoes or bluebottles) & am a vegan so wouldn't use poisons anyway; it was someone I have in to help me, that obviously thought it was a good idea. I was concerned that, if they were in the compost, the compost heap was maybe not working properly, thanks for reassuring me about this. Sorry for sounding cross; some people get freaked out by invertebrates. Good luck with the herbs; Anthony is right about ants liking dry compost heaps; they do not go for soggy ones. I'll use this compost around my roses & other flowers but not near any edibles; I don't know what type of ant killer was used but imagine that the active ingredient might break down anyway & that even if it didn't, the plants wouldn't take it up? Thanks again for a really useful reply. Chrissy |
#7
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compost
On May 19, 11:38*am, Des Higgins wrote:
On May 18, 11:39 wrote: On May 18, 10:44 am, Des Higgins wrote: On May 18, 6:28 wrote: I have discovered there are ants in my compost bin which surprised me because I thought the temperature would get too high. 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 & secondly, is the compost safe to put on my herb garden, since it's had poison in it. I've been trying to grow organic herbs but feel this ant-killer powder has compromised that. I'd be grateful fo rany help with this, Chrissy HiChrissy: *does it not seem ironic that you are keen on "organic" herbs and worried about ants? *The ants are harmless but the antkiller will technicaly make yer organic herbs not organic if you use it. Just dump the current compost somewhere harmless (use it as a mulch or dig it in where you do not mind if it is organic or not). *Ants are common in compost. *If the heap stays put for long, they often build nests in them. *Putting in any killer is likely to kill all manner of other insects that help the compost heap to function well. *An active compost heap will have tons of creepy crawlies (worms are the most useful). Des I wasn't worried about the ants as such, I have a corner of my garden left pretty much for wildlife, I love most creatures (not mosquitoes or bluebottles) & am a vegan so wouldn't use poisons anyway; it was someone I have in to help me, that obviously thought it was a good idea. I was concerned that, if they were in the compost, the compost heap was maybe not working properly, thanks for reassuring me about this. Sorry for sounding cross; some people get freaked out by invertebrates. Good luck with the herbs; Anthony is right about ants liking dry compost heaps; they do not go for soggy ones. I'll use this compost around my roses & other flowers but not near any edibles; I don't know what type of ant killer was used but imagine that the active ingredient might break down anyway & that even if it didn't, the plants wouldn't take it up? Thanks again for a really useful reply. Chrissy Hi Des I couldn't understand your post, so read your original reply to me again & still couldn't detect any sign that you were 'cross' - I don't take offense easily anyway but really I just found your post helpful. Thanks for confirming about the wet compost - I have a rain barrel next to it, so that was easily done. Chrissy |
#8
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compost
Chrissy 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 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... & 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 |
#9
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compost
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 |
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