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Ants inside brassicas
globalgecko
Posts: 4
This site says that no real damage is caused to any plant by ants. However, one by one my brassicas are dying. Under each plant, and inside the stalk, are ants. There are no sign of aphids and the ants are not going up into the plant. The holes in the stalks are fairly large and are at the base of the stalk, it's very easy to see the ants (black) rushing in and out. All my cauliflowers and broccoli were killed and now the purple sprouting broccoli is infested 
The plants are in raised beds with a drip watering system that means the area below the plant is usually moist.
After 5 years of gardening this is a first for me and I am at a loss at what to do...
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Posts
Try spraying them with a biodynamic infusion of lavender. Just cut lavender stems (with or without flowers) up and put them in plastic bucket. Cover with Ranwater and leave in shade for 5 days. Filter and dilute concoction 1 part lavender to 3 parts water then spray brassicas. Job done.Broom would be stronger and is great against caterpillars (Same method of preperation) or Mint. I have just made a 'preperation' of Tansy this morning to repulse cabbage white caterpillars. Worked last year.
I have never heard of this but as we have a garden full of lavender I will give it a go, thanks.
Will these methods work for ants on any plants. My garden seems to have been completely infested by them. They are in the echinops, on the tomatoes in the greenhouse and in the raised beds where the veg are trying to grow
The holes were likely caused by cabbage root fly and the ants may be feeding on those or simply taking advantage of the entry point. Pull one up and inspect the roots for root fly damage:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=646
Bob: Yes, thanks for this but I know all about these. I have always placed a collar around each of the brassicas after this happened my first year. The collars are snug around the stalks but have made no difference for the first time this year. I did inspect the dying plants but there were never any maggots or flies on the roots. I inspect the plants every day while watering / weeding.
Yes should work against all ants.
^^ Interesting tip re lavender (I have a fair bit of that too). When you say filter, to you mean sieve out the lavender leaves or is there a more thorough method?
I don't have an issue with ants, but if I ever do...!
Yes just remove liquid and water over plants. Acts as a repulsant and protects against first attacks. As you (Globalgecko) seem to have a full blown riot on your hands you may find a mix of tansy and lavander (Same recipe) stronger. See thread Gardening with the Moon for further recipes, and full list of beneficial plants to use as insecticide.