Blogs and forums
welcome Guestforum: Gardening / Growing
Subscribe to forums RSS#1 Tue 14 Feb 12 6:05pm
DarkMercury
- Member
- Member since Sat 07 May 11
Aunties
I’m currently growing blueberries in my back garden and they’re moving into their second year. I’ve got my fertiliser, fungus spray and bug spray on guard. I was just wondering will ants benefit my plants or do more harm than good?
I know spiders and ladybirds are beneficial...
Should I eradicate those ant's nest this year lol?
Offline
#2 Tue 14 Feb 12 6:17pm
mummza
Occupation avoiding housework
- From The land of song.
- Member since Tue 04 Oct 05
Re: Aunties
I cant understand why you called the thread 'Aunties' !
Offline
#3 Tue 14 Feb 12 6:33pm
joobes
Occupation My OH and I own a new/secondhand bookshop.
- From Somerset, England
- Member since Wed 20 Feb 08
Re: Aunties
I thought this was going to be about how many aunties we have 
As for ants ive never met a good one, i'd get rid.... 
Offline
#4 Tue 14 Feb 12 9:49pm
ACDC
Occupation Bewitched, bothered and bewildered Mother
- From Ireland
- Member since Tue 19 Aug 08
Re: Aunties
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqo0f-q_ … re=related
This popped into my head.
I've had blueberries growing in my garden in containers for a couple of years now, from time to time I would have ants, but never noticed any damage to the blueberries.
Offline
#5 Tue 14 Feb 12 10:57pm
Pakman
- Member
- From Estonia
- Member since Tue 06 Oct 09
Re: Aunties
"Before deciding to get rid of these decomposers, it's worth seeing how they can benefit the process of decomposition in your compost pile."
http://www.gardens.com/soil-fertilizer- … t-bin.html
More on topic-
"Sprinkle a layer of powdered chalk -- such as used on sports fields -- around the base of the tree. Rub a handful on the base of the blueberry tree, as well, coming up approximately 4 to 6 inches. Ants will not cross a line of powdery substances, and the list includes talcum powder, used coffee grounds and baking soda. Replace as needed, especially after a rain."
http://www.ehow.com/how_8193515_keep-an … -tree.html
Offline
#6 Tue 14 Feb 12 11:14pm
JoyYamDaisy
- From Melbourne Australia
- Member since Sun 12 Apr 09
Re: Aunties
An ants nest is often a sign that the soil is very dry.
Just saying!
PS I remember when we had a new kid at school who came from part of England that pronounces 'aunties' like 'anties' . We didn't understand what he was talking about!
But thanks to him I do understand your thread title! 
Offline
#7 Tue 14 Feb 12 11:16pm
DarkMercury
- Member
- Member since Sat 07 May 11
Re: Aunties
ACDC wrote:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqo0f-q_hRw&feature=related
This popped into my head.
I've had blueberries growing in my garden in containers for a couple of years now, from time to time I would have ants, but never noticed any damage to the blueberries.
Have you had any other damage to the blueberries then?
What varieties are you growing?
Offline
#8 Tue 14 Feb 12 11:24pm
DarkMercury
- Member
- Member since Sat 07 May 11
Re: Aunties
Pakman wrote:
"Before deciding to get rid of these decomposers, it's worth seeing how they can benefit the process of decomposition in your compost pile."
http://www.gardens.com/soil-fertilizer- … t-bin.html
More on topic-
"Sprinkle a layer of powdered chalk -- such as used on sports fields -- around the base of the tree. Rub a handful on the base of the blueberry tree, as well, coming up approximately 4 to 6 inches. Ants will not cross a line of powdery substances, and the list includes talcum powder, used coffee grounds and baking soda. Replace as needed, especially after a rain."
http://www.ehow.com/how_8193515_keep-an … -tree.html
I won't be allowing my bushes to fruit as yet.
Do they form relationships with pests?
Last edited by DarkMercury (Tue 14 Feb 12 11:46pm)
Offline
#9 Wed 15 Feb 12 3:23pm
Pakman
- Member
- From Estonia
- Member since Tue 06 Oct 09
Re: Aunties
DarkMercury wrote:
Do they form relationships with pests?
Maybe if you turn the lights down low and put on some Barry White 
Some interesting chat here on the ant/blueberry subject.
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/loa … 15846.html
"Plant ant repelling plants in the area – Plants like henbit, geranium, garlic, aster, calendula, chrysanthemum and mint are known to deter ants and other garden pests. Planting these plants around the affected plant will help to keep ants away."
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problem … lowers.htm
Offline
#10 Wed 15 Feb 12 3:45pm
mummza
-
Occupation avoiding housework
- From The land of song.
- Member since Tue 04 Oct 05
Re: Aunties
Pakman wrote:
DarkMercury wrote:
Do they form relationships with pests?
Maybe if you turn the lights down low and put on some Barry White
Offline