Hi from Missouri

millerp 6/7/2017, 2:21 pm

I was looking for an answer to whether ants on my bush cucumbers were friend or foe and ran across this site.

I tried SFG a few years ago, unsuccessfully, I might add. I live in the country and have to fence and/or cover everything I grow so the critters don't eat it all. I would be willing to share with them, but they don't share back. My chicken wire covers were not easy to deal with, so I gave up in favor of a small greenhouse. I find I quickly run out of room in there, so once again I'm planting small bushes outside with fences around them.

Anyway, I'm happy to find this site. I'm sure I'll be back from time to time.

countrynaturals 6/7/2017, 3:42 pm

millerp wrote:I was looking for an answer to whether ants on my bush cucumbers were friend or foe and ran across this site.

I tried SFG a few years ago, unsuccessfully, I might add. I live in the country and have to fence and/or cover everything I grow so the critters don't eat it all. I would be willing to share with them, but they don't share back. My chicken wire covers were not easy to deal with, so I gave up in favor of a small greenhouse. I find I quickly run out of room in there, so once again I'm planting small bushes outside with fences around them.

Anyway, I'm happy to find this site. I'm sure I'll be back from time to time.

I have the same problem. Our free-range chickens are the biggest culprits. Everything that goes into the ground gets covered with fence-cages. It's worth it, however, to have happy chickens and fresh eggs every day. Cool

$glad you\'re here$ from Redding, CA.

**AtlantaMarie** 6/7/2017, 9:04 pm

Hi millerp. Welcome from Atlanta, GA! Glad you found us. And I hope that you find some useful information to help you with your critter issue... :-)

**sanderson** 6/9/2017, 2:20 pm

Miller, welcome to the Forum from California! $glad you\'re here$ Have you had a chance to look at the newest method of SFG, All New Square Foot Gardening? There are several folks on the Forum that have to protect against the wildlife.

Regarding ants, they aren't necessarily a foe. The problem I have with my regional variety, Argentine Ant, is that they take the male pollen from squash flowers. I sprinkle the plant stems and leaves with the old version of baby powder with talc when they are blooming, being careful not to get the flowers. Plain talc powder is probably the same without the baby-fresh scent. Wink

millerp 6/9/2017, 2:43 pm

Thanks everyone, what a nice group! No, Sanderson, I wasn't aware of the newest version of SFG. Is it in book format or can it be found online? I just ran across a video on my Facebook page that looks like it would work pretty well for me if I can ever find the time to build one. Was going to post the link here but message says I can't post links for 7 days.

My ants don't seem to be eating leaves or fruit, so leaving them alone --for now. Does your talc just chase them away or does it kill them? I have some diatomaceous earth on hand if I need it, but don't want to harm them needlessly.

Also, does anyone know if it's too late to start some corn? I keep forgetting.

thanks

**sanderson** 6/9/2017, 3:05 pm

The talc dries the ants and DE should do the same thing.

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Hi from Missouri

Hi from Missouri

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Thanks for the welcomes!

Re: Hi from Missouri

Re: Hi from Missouri


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