[mobilekat]

I have never grown broad beans before, and have had great success with the germination etc, they are all about 18 inches tall now, and starting to show buds, but have for the last week had quite a few ants around them.

I had been told this was no problem, (and didn't want to start treating them if I don't need too as I try to be organic) but the new leaves that are coming out are all looking a little bit chewed. - but its very small holes- not like a slug/snail type munching.

I have had a good search and cant see any aphids as I know ants often 'farm' these.

Any ideas or suggestions?

I was considering spraying them with soapy water to discourage the ants.

Thanks!

[mr Isaccs]

I had ants last year and this on my broads Mobilekat, it was my first year last year and I was worried about the nibbling of the leaves but they are not much of a problem, the beans will still arrive and the ants won't bother the pods. Tiz the blackfly you need to watch
   Speaking of ants though they are being a pain this year, they are in my greenhouse, crawling on my cherry tree and getting all manner of places.
   Brought a lettuce back the other day and put it in water in the sink, a while later there were ants crawling about on the draining board, they had ben lurking in my salad leaves the little sneaklets

[davethespread]

i think you will find that the ants look after the blackfly because they secrete a sugary substance.

[mr Isaccs]

If that's the case Dave then bring on the ants

[davethespread]

its ladybirds you want mr Isaccs they will clear up your blackfly coz i think they get the sugary substance from your beanstalks