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Mum problem

Gardening Reference » Gardening in 2005
by tobydude7 on October 21, 2005 02:46 AM
I recently planted some mums outdoors. I live in Delaware and the time of planting was the beginning of October. Temperatures have been in the 60-70 during the day and 50's at night. After a week of planting the mums started dying. I took them out of the planting site to see if diferent soil would help and noticed a lot of ants at the root level. Is this a probable cause of the problem and how do you combat this? Thanks.
by wayner2000 on October 22, 2005 06:18 PM
Hi Tobydude, I don't think the ants would hurt, however did you rough up the roots a little at planting time and did you keep them watered? I find when new mums are planted they need water every day during the hot fall days..........Wayne

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Do unto others as you would have them do unto you..........
by obywan59 on October 25, 2005 02:54 AM
When ants dig their tunnels, that has a tendency to dry the soil out, so keeping up with the watering would be a good idea. It might even deter the ants somewhat.

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Terry

May the force be with you
by tobydude7 on October 26, 2005 09:19 AM
Thanks Wayner and Obywan for the reply. Actually, I think the answer to the problem was water. When we planted the mums we had a bit of a dry spell with strong winds. Even though, the plants were watered, I think the dry wind was too much for them. We since repotted the plants on pots in a more covered location instead of the open ground. It helps also that we have had a lot of rain and some falls on the plants. They are doing well now. Thanks.

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