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Can I reuse potted soil that had ants and aphids?

eyecatchercwdeyecatchercwd Posts: 42
in Problem solving
Hi a while ago some ants moved into my long deep pot planter full of African daisies and started farming black aphids. Eventually I took out what was left of my daisies and replanted elsewhere also moved the pot. Can I still use the pot full of soil - it was fresh. Or will the ants and aphids be back? Wanting to plant either aguilegias or penstemon.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - is the simple answer. Aphids and ants don't affect the nature of the soil, but ants like dry conditions so don't let the soil dry out too much. They'll move on elsewhere if it's wet. Aphids are attracted to some plants more than others too, so just keep a look out when there's soft fleshy growth on whatever you plant, and give any foliage a squirt with a hose, or a sprayer, or wipe them off with your hand.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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