karenlincoln

Ants in compost

Thanks everybody.  Off now to get cracking on that Dalek!

MOB rants

Ah, Frank.  I think we can blame this on the EU dont you?  Now there's a can of worms ...................

MOB rants

GG - I too hoped this would be my last move.  I sold my previous flat for exactly the same reason - unobstructed views of open countryside were destroyed by somebody building a house in what had been garden.  When I moved here 5 years ago there was a large mature garden behind me, and one to the side.  Now there is building behind me as mentioned, and the house to the side has also obtained planning permission to pull down the existing bungalow and build another bungalow and a house on the one plot.  In this case though, the other neighbours have slapped a tree preservation order on some big cherry trees to protect their own outlook.  Thanks very much.  Though the trees are lovely, this just means that the new proposed house will be built about 20 feet away from mine, and staggered (ie not in line with my property) thus taking even more light from my garden.  Again, I have no right to light, only to not be overlooked.  Net result?  Big gable end of 2 storey property, with no windows, overshadowing my entire back garden.  If they go ahead with this development I shall be asking for advice on what I can plant in the dark!  Since my working days are almost over (or at least, I hope they are - state pension keeps getting further and further away) I dont have the option of moving again.  I'm just going to have to put up with it!   Aaaargh!!!!!

Ants in compost

Thank you.  I was hoping to have a magic formula to get rid of the existing mess once and for all so that I can start again properly with the new season.  Perhaps a second Dalek is the answer. 

Ants in compost

I'll give it a go.  Thanks.

MOB rants

Gardening Granny - I wonder if we are neighbours???  I too have a new development at the bottom of my garden (and my next door neighbours', and my next door but one neighbour too!)  On a plot which was substantial for one property, but not big enough for two, they have built a big house at the road end, with a postage stamp, walled garden, and a bungalow across the entire width of the rest of the plot, about 10 feet from my back fence.  When I objected, I was told I had no right to light - only to not being overlooked!  I understand we can thank Mr. Prescott for this change to the planning laws.  Bet it wouldnt have got planning permission at the bottom of his garden!!!  The easing of planning regulations on building in gardens was to encourage the building of 'low cost' housing.  By no stretch of the imagination are either of these two buildings low cost.  Sheer greed on behalf of the man who sold the plot in the first place.  In my case, the bungalow is for the parents, the house for the daughter and son in law and their family.  Which is fine now, but I bet they'll struggle to sell them on in years to come.  Certainly hope so, anyway.  Serve them right!  Gosh, I feel a bit better now!

Ants in compost

So, Discodave, do you mean I should turn it, or give it a poke with a big stick or something?

Ants in compost

I've got a neglected 'dalek' compost bin, full, very dry, with a colony of red ants.  Clearly I need to start again, and be more diligent, but what do I do with the current contents?  Apart from the red ants, it's mostly spent compost.  Can I spread it as a mulch - will I be over-run with red ants, and if so, how do I get rid of them first???

Talkback: Ants

I have loads of red ants in my sadly neglected Dalek compost bin. It's all dried out and I clearly need to start all over again and do it properly this time. However, what do I do with the current contents? Can I spread it on the garden like a mulch? Its all very dry (hence the ants) in fact its mostly spent potting compost. Will the ants do any harm if I spread it on top of the very clay soil?

Ants in compost