On May 20, 11:28=A0pm, pmrobin...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
(Peter Robinson) wrote:
> Chrissy<ms_cris...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> 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. =A0If 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
ju=
st
> > 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? =A0In a 'massive heap at the bottom of the garden'
> that astonishes me. =A0Next 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. =A0It'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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