Not because I love orange, or because they’re cute, but because they are a god send when it comes to keeping pests away from an organic garden. Collect Dried Marigolds As your marigold plants begin to dry out, wait for the right time to collect the seeds. It’s really the same basic thing for harvesting most flower seeds. Anything that goes in there will grow tall and big. The germination of seedlings may not be good the next time you sow the seed. they are delicate so best to cut off an inch away from pod and let dry a day or more before removing seeds. Believe me Its always Refreshing. Learn how to plant, grow, and care for marigold flowers with this garden guide. 4. This article will help you learn how to harvest marigold seeds from your own garden. Pale seeds aren’t quite ready yet. The seeds are located there. So the best thing you can do is to remove the dead or dying plants. Why not try collecting and storing marigold seeds this year? Get it as soon as Tue, Dec 29. Marigold seeds come in two main varieties; French and African marigolds. How long will marigold seeds last? 4. With marigolds, the seeds come after the flower heads die. 5: The marigold plants are ready to harvest. You can either leave the … The first thing you want to do is remove the dead or dying flower blooms. Video of the Day Volume 0% Marigold Cracker Jack Bulk 8,000 Seeds Nice Garden Flower. I recommend you to keep the seeds only for 8-10 months until next planting season. If it bends, let them dry more! It’s beyond easy to wind up with enough seeds to fill a mason jar by constantly harvesting from only a few plants- and then filling another, and another, and another… Harvesting. The new flowers are orange and small at first. Once the flower pods are dry you can give the pod a squeeze and remove the seeds. This video tells you when and how to harvest your Marigold seeds for next year. Harvesting Marigold Seeds. The most commercial nursery only picks the healthy flowers and dries these flowers for more than 10 days in a semi-shaded place. Learn everything you need to know about harvesting these seeds right here. It's best to harvest the seeds when the petals are brown and dried out, and the base (the seed pod) is turning brown. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon . Proper aeration of the place where the seeds are kept is also a key factor in the successful storage of marigold seeds. I am an I.T professional. When the petals are gone and the flower cup is brown, you should see the seeds sitting upright in the cup. You’ll see long black seeds that almost look like tiny sticks. Sow seeds directly into the flower bed and just cover and keep them warm and moist. The seedlings should be thinned to 4-6 inches except African Marigolds should be 10-12 inches. Throughout the season, but mostly in the fall, the marigold flower heads will shrivel up and dry out while still on the plant. Noticed the blooms turning to seed pods and looked up how to gather them. Why not try collecting and storing marigold seeds this year? To remove the seeds of the Marigold pinch the ends with your thumb and index finger of each hand, then pull apart and the seeds will slide out without any problem. Develops huge flowers with gracefully overlapping petals that bloom from midsummer to first frost. 1. Sow Right Seeds - Marigold Seed Collection for Planting, Crackerjack, Sparky, Dainty Marietta, and Petite Mix Marigolds to Plant in Your Flower Garden; Non-GMO Heirloom Seeds; Wonderful Gardening Gift. Click here for more info. The first thing to do is pick off the dead blooms, and the ones that are dying. Harvesting Marigold Seeds. The Antifungal powder will protect the seeds from any possibility of fungal growth. You can go ahead and harvest the seeds from the dry ones, by just squeezing the base of the bud and cracking it open. Again dry these seeds in the sun of one day. French marigold is the most beautiful and bright variety of marigold. When it comes to harvesting marigold seeds, you're going to want to begin by looking at the blooms. Why not try collecting and storing marigold seeds this year? Marigold Uses Fresh Flowers. This is a very obvious question because after successful harvesting of marigold the plant will start drying. FREE Shipping on orders $35+ Marigold seeds are fairly large and easy to harvest. Very pleased with the ease of getting the seeds from the pods and how many are available from the plants. The plants will begin to flower by the end of June and continue until … These are not required for new growth. You should add a pinch of antifungal powder in the seeds before storing them for next season. Anything that goes in there will grow tall and big. The information on this site is for idea-sharing only. Broadcast seed into cultivated soil so that the seeds are about 2 inches (5 cm) apart and one-half inch (1 cm) deep. Marigolds blooms are the only source of seeds for next plantation. Throughout the season, but mostly in the fall, the marigold flower heads will shrivel up and dry out while still on the plant. If you want to collect marigold seeds, you have to wait for the seeds to mature first. •Edible Flowers: Use the flowers to dress up salads and desserts or cooked in egg or rice dishes. Marigold seeds are fairly large and easy to harvest. Set out a cloth, or a paper towel. Marigolds … 8/14/2020 – The four different marigolds we planted from seeds have done well. Collect marigold seeds into an envelope or small paper bag. Plant your own marigolds by harvesting marigold seeds with help from Garden of Imagination. The Spruce / Lacey Johnson Release the Zinnia Seeds . https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-save-marigold-seeds-1388591 Also, try to keep the seeds in a dry place as much as possible. Soon after this point they open more and are past their prime medicinally, and the petals begin to wither. Harvesting is the final task after a successful flowering season. The first thing to do is pick off the dead blooms, and the ones that are dying. Plant your own marigolds by harvesting marigold seeds with help from Garden of Imagination. At the end of a successful flowering season, we should harvest marigold seeds with proper care for the next season. Broadcast seed into cultivated soil so that the seeds are about 2 inches (5 cm) apart and one-half inch (1 cm) deep. You can harvest the seeds while there is still a little green left on the base. To check, you can gently use your fingers to slightly split open the seedhead. Animals that eat Grass-Graminivores A to Z. Harvesting Marigold Seeds. That being said, taking a chance and getting spotty germination is better than simply tossing out the seeds and getting nothing at all! The final bloom in every variety of marigolds comes at the end of March and continues till the first week of June. This article will help you learn how to harvest marigold seeds from your own garden. For personal use, you can place the seeds in a paper envelope with the proper name of the variety over it and place these packets in a cool and dry place. Gardening. After a few days of drying in direct sunlight separate the seeds from the flowers. We offer three types of marigold: African, French, and signet (gem) marigold. The seeds are ready to harvest when they’ve gone dark-. You’ll see long black seeds that almost look like tiny sticks. Both produce bright, vibrant and eye-catching flowers consisting of yellows oranges and reds. Follow these steps to save marigold seeds. These are probably from flowers that were at their peak four weeks ago. Click here for more info. This means you have to leave your wilting and dying marigold flowers on the plants for a while- if you start snapping them off as soon as they start to flag, the seeds … I usually recommend harvesting seeds because I like to grow them from my own stored seeds. The plants will begin to flower by the end of June and continue until … This can be easily identified as a brown-black patch over the packets if affected by the fungal attack. Healthy marigold flowers will develop healthy seeds and ultimately results in healthy seedlings next year. If you are a flower lover then you can grow new seasonal flower plants. The marigold seeds are black in color and remain viable for about 1-2 years for rising of seedlings, 2. Seeds need a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees F. (21-23 C.) to … 41,400 seeds/oz. Freezing the seeds is not very recommended but can be tried if you have proper experience with reviving the seeds from freeze state. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sign up to be notified of new posts. Seed can be sown outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and covered with 1/4 inch of soil. In general collection of the final product by any plant is termed as Harvesting. Toss them all in a jar to store through the winter, and in the spring you'll have more marigold seeds than you could possibly use. 5: The marigold plants are ready to harvest. It's like instant Miracle Grow. Ht. That said, I would harvest seed pods that look most mature on the marigolds. Their flowers are fully matured. All content ©UnrulyGardening.com- All Rights Reserved. We all are... Hi, My Name is Sukant. Test them after a week – pick up a seed and try to snap it in half. This helps to break up the soil, improving drainage. Also, remove the dried petals and parts of the flower and the dried stems from the seeds. 3. You can easily identify the complete white or just skinny looking seeds that are not good for germination, remove them carefully. Planting French marigold seeds can be done by starting them in the house before 4 to 6 weeks before winter has passed or by direct seeding once all danger of frost has passed. You should also harvest the blossoms when they are half-open. Now the question arises- what to do with the marigold plant after Harvesting for seeds? Snipping off the flower head at the top of the stalk is the standard way to harvest calendula. You can press the seed to check if it is firm or not. When it gets to this stage, simply pinch them off, and carefully extract the seeds from the inside. It will remove the rest of moisture and protect the seeds from any fungal growth. The marigold seeds are black in color and remain viable for about 1-2 years for rising of seedlings, 2. So it is easy to understand that you will get lots of healthy flower in summer. Marigolds are a beautiful addition to any garden and a pleasure to to plant. The fungicide prevents fungal growth and perlite absorbs any moister in the container. Their flowers are fully matured. After all, these seeds will grow into new plants the next season, So to store them carefully is very important. So use the best quality fresh seeds every time to grow new marigold plants. The seeds are ripe when they have a straw-colored tail and a black pointed seed. Harvesting Marigold Seeds. So what is the nursery way to store marigold seeds?eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'gardenbagan_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',113,'0','0'])); Though in your home, you need not worry much about the seeds if you have followed the above steps. Healthy Marigold Stage Description Image 1: The seeds have only just been planted. Sow Right Seeds - Marigold Seed Collection for Planting, Crackerjack, Sparky, Dainty Marietta, and Petite Mix Marigolds to Plant in Your Flower Garden; Non-GMO Heirloom Seeds; Wonderful Gardening Gift. One thing to remember: when you’re collecting marigold seeds, you can’t necessarily depend upon getting a true copy of the parent’s flowers. The website unrulygardening.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The first thing you want to do is remove the dead or dying flower blooms. Learn how to plant, grow, and care for marigold flowers with this garden guide. Proper drying is the first and very important step in storing the seeds. Gardening. Soon after this point they open more and are past their prime medicinally, and the petals begin to wither. Marigold Cracker Jack Bulk 8,000 Seeds Nice Garden Flower. Though these are only general identification, the best way to check the quality of marigold seeds is to sow few of them is good soil mix and check the germination rate. The French marigold seeds are easy to grow and weather tolerant. Saving Marigold Seed. Wherever you store your seeds, try to find a place that doesn’t fluctuate much in humidity and temperature. Marigold seeds resemble dry blades of grass and are very light, so plant them carefully to avoid their blowing away. Jul 3, 2016 - Marigold seeds are easy to harvest and store, so you won't ever have to buy them again. Part of the series: Marigold Gardening. Planting French Marigold Seeds. Allow the flower heads to remain on the plant after blooming. Spacing between the seeds will depend on the variety of marigold you wish to grow, so follow the instructions on the seed packet. If you harvest seeds then you need not buy them the next time you want to grow marigolds. If the complete packet is infected remove it immediately or if not then change the seeds to a new packet and add some antifungal again. These immature plants are loaded with nutrients and are super healthy. The seeds are located at the beginning of the flower petal, which is located inside the pod where it is attached. The direct sunlight and high temperature help the marigold flower to grow healthy and fertilize appropriately. Marigold seeds are some of the easiest to harvest and save for another season of blooms. But if it’s a hybrid (which is likely if you’ve gotten cheap plants from a garden center), … Snipping off the flower head at the top of the stalk is the standard way to harvest calendula. Also, avoid watering the flower bed before harvesting seeds, or the seed heads will need more time to dry. You should also harvest the blossoms when they are half-open. High quality non-GMO seeds and live plants delivered straight to your door by Ferry Morse, your trusted source for home gardening since 1856. It’s really the same basic thing for harvesting most flower seeds. It’s beyond easy to wind up with enough seeds to fill a mason jar by constantly harvesting from only a few plants- and then filling another, and another, and another…. I hope you all are well and healthy. Avg. Check them again later! But if you grow marigold year-round or every year then this will definitely save a lot of money for you. Marigold is a garden workhorse. Harvest of the day: peppers, blackberries, broccol, Purple succulents are my favorite ones . It should look dark black in color and must not have any fungal growth. How to tell if marigold seeds are good? If the plant you’ve harvested from is an heirloom, its seeds will produce the same kind of flowers. Plant the seeds ¼ inch into the soil. After a Successful marigold harvest, the next question is how to store and save these seeds. Once the flower pods are dry you can give the pod a squeeze and remove the seeds. For commercial storage, the best practice is to store the seeds in aluminum foil packets i.e., these packets having foil in the inner surface. My 2 adorable little grandsons gave me a potted Marigold for Mother's Day. In this video, I am talking about harvesting Marigold flower seeds and I am discussing how and when to collect marigold seeds in the humid climate of UK. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. The best way to harvest marigold is by directly picking any mature flower from the plant and then drying and storing it carefully. Required fields are marked *. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon . If it’s dried enough, it should break. Collect marigold seeds into an envelope or small paper bag. Your email address will not be published. Gardening for me is not only a hobby, its a way of living life with nature. This site is owned and operated by Sukant @ Garden Bagan. I … I am not an expert, I'm here just to share my 25 years of experience in gardening. The actual seed is somewhat triangle shaped. The healthy seeds should look dark black and firm. Your email address will not be published. harvesting marigold seed pods. 100% dry seeds can be stored in air-tight glass jars, envelopes, or plastic bags, tucked away from the heat and direct sunlight. The leaves of sweet marigold (Tagetes lucida), also known as Mexican mint marigold, have an aniselike flavor similar to French tarragon. What to do with marigolds at the end of the season? Saving Marigold Seed. 4: The marigold plants are larger, and more developed in their petals. Another reason for harvesting in the season end is that to prepare seeds plant will invest all its nutrients and ultimately its task for survival is complete. To sow marigold seeds first weed and rake over your chosen site. The collected seeds will need to be scattered over it to dry over the next couple of days, so pick your drying area with that in mind. This may take up to a week, depending on the seed head and moisture level. You should place the containers with the flower in direct sunlight and let the flowers dry for at least 4-7 days. Find out about harvesting marigold seeds with help from a gardening professional in this free video clip. Thin to 8 inches (20 cm) apart in all directions for dwarf varieties; allow 12 inches (30 cm) between very tall varieties. This doesn’t mean your marigold seeds are useless once they’ve tallied a couple years- go ahead and plant them, but keep in mind that a good portion to nearly all of them may not germinate (or none at all, if the seeds were improperly stored/simply don’t have any viability left). It's like instan... We have a well in front of our house that is like a miracle well. 4: The marigold plants are larger, and more developed in their petals. Below is a simple guide to planting seeds directly in the ground – or transplant – whichever you prefer. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). Image Posted on April 21, 2013 by Amanda. Marigolds are among the easiest of plants to grow from seed. Other varieties grow several feet tall and make beautiful specimen plants mixed with other flowers. Plant them in the spring and you’ll have a whole new generation of marigolds. I … Seeds should be sowed in pots, seed boxes or raised nursery beds. The French marigold grows well as a mass planting along borders or in window boxes as it grows only 12 to 18 inches high. I'm a IT Professional and a full-time Garden Enthusiast. Every plant has its specific harvest season, so did the marigolds.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'gardenbagan_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',104,'0','0'])); How to harvest marigolds? Harvesting & Drying Sweet Marigolds. However, make sure there’s still is a bit of green color left in the base of the bloom. Transplants need good soil amended with organic matter. Avoid moisture- wet seeds can rot, mold, or sprout. Anything that goes in there will grow tall and big. (Tagetes erecta) Collecting marigold seeds may result in being buried in marigolds, because these flowers produce a lot of seeds per bloom. To remove the seeds of the Marigold pinch the ends with your thumb and index finger of each hand, then pull apart and the seeds will slide out without any problem. The Answer is no absolutely not compulsory for any individual who grows marigold. Not because I love orange, or because they’re cute, but because they are a god send when it comes to keeping pests away from an organic garden. Guys Today we are gonna discuss a very interesting topic in modern gardening. This is a great plant to start from seed. Marigolds have become one of my favourite little flowers. Also, avoid watering the flower bed before harvesting seeds, or the seed heads will need more time to dry. You can harvest the seeds when the petals are dry already (when the base of each flower turning brownish). 10–12". In the commercial nursery, they keep rotating the packets up and down within few weeks and also dry the seeds after the monsoon or rainy season. The ones that are not good and dry need to air dry for at least a couple of days or so. Sow seeds directly into the flower bed and just cover and keep them warm and moist. 8/14/2020 – The four different marigolds we planted from seeds have done well. Tutorial: Harvesting Marigold Seeds We have a well in front of our house that is like a miracle well. If you are planting French marigold seeds indoors, they need a warm area. Required fields are marked *. FREE Shipping on orders $35+ Mar 20, 2020 - Marigold seeds aren?t exactly expensive, but they do have to be replanted every year. We also promote products from Clickbank Affiliates. Don’t put any lid over the containers as lids may cause fungal growth due to moister. You can use same harvested seeds in multiple seasons but the quality will degrade. Tutorial: Harvesting Marigold Seeds We have a well in front of our house that is like a miracle well. August 14, 2020 August 19, 2020 Tom. Healthy Marigold Stage Description Image 1: The seeds have only just been planted. Marigolds are a beautiful addition to any garden and a pleasure to to plant. Harvesting marigold mainly includes three steps – cutting, drying and storing. This is the best time to collect and harvest Marigold for seeds. Growing Marigold From Seed. Gardening. Learn everything you need to know about harvesting these seeds right here. After plucking the flowers separate them according to the varieties you have. Marigolds have become one of my favourite little flowers. Tag Archives: Harvesting marigold seeds How to harvest marigold seeds Image. I recommend everyone to choose French marigold because it is very easy to grow and you can have full year around fresh bloom. $10.99 $ 10. In order for the seeds to make it to next year, they need to be dried. Noticed the blooms turning to seed pods and looked up how to gather them. This article will help you learn how to harvest marigold seeds from your own garden. $10.99 $ 10. Flavor is floral with hints of citrus and spice, and slightly bitter. Choose seed heads that are dry and brown, but still have green left in part of the stem. 4.5 out of 5 stars 71. Back-fill and add a layer of mulch to remove weeds and retain moisture. You can go ahead and harvest the seeds from the dry ones, by just squeezing the base of the bud and cracking it open. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Before sowing the seeds should be treated with captan 2g/kg of seed to prevent damping off. Before harvesting flowers, you should select the best of the healthiest blooms you have. Join my journey with Gardenbagan to explore the world of Green! These seeds can survive around 2 years in storage packets. However, make sure there’s still is a bit of green color left in the base of the bloom. Sow marigolds in spring, or set them out as bedding plants. Utilize the pot or place for a new plant to grow and have greenery in your garden. 36 -48 month is the maximum lifetime for good quality seeds to survive. Make sure to keep varieties separated and labeled, unless you don't mind a mix full of surprises! Jul 3, 2016 - Marigold seeds are easy to harvest and store, so you won't ever have to buy them again. You can harvest the seeds when the petals are dry already (when the base of each flower turning brownish). As with all seeds, viability and germination rate will decrease over time. If you followed the storage steps carefully and your seeds are not infected, then nothing to worry. Sprinkle the seeds over your drying area, making sure to break up clumps. You can sow the seed directly where you'd like for them to grow next year in the garden or you can bring them indoors and dry … For large varieties: sow seeds 18 to 24 inches apart; For medium varieties: space 12 … Marigold flowers are a mainstay in most of the gardens. Meanwhile, check out this article: When do marigolds bloom-Time and Temperature? How To Harvest. Letting Marigold Flowers Dry It’s important to wait until the right time to collect marigold seeds. Once seeds are completely dried, they can be scooped up and stored away. they are delicate so best to cut off an inch away from pod and let dry a day or more before removing seeds. So if you want to collect marigold for seeds that can be used in next season then you should only pick the final blooms you have. Usually, at the normal temperature, it should germinate within 3- 4 days if not then there may be some problem with the seeds or the soil mix. Anything that goes in there will grow tall and big. Very pleased with the ease of getting the seeds from the pods and how many are available from the plants. Seed can be sown outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and covered with 1/4 inch of soil. You needn't purchase new seeds every year when you can pick your own and dry them. 3: The marigold plants have begun to grow their flowers. Place the harvested seed heads on a screen so that they dry thoroughly on all sides. Letting Marigold Flowers Dry It’s important to wait until the right time to collect marigold seeds. Marigold seeds look alike for most varieties so to keep them separated you should place flowers of individual varieties in different containers. Allow the flower heads to remain on the plant after blooming. The seedlings should be thinned to 4-6 inches except African Marigolds should be 10-12 inches. harvesting marigold seed pods. The Final question: – Is harvesting marigold necessary? Below is a simple guide to planting seeds directly in the ground – or transplant – whichever you prefer. Healthy marigold flowers will develop healthy seeds and ultimately results in healthy seedlings next year. What is harvesting? Before sowing the seeds should be treated with captan 2g/kg of seed to prevent damping off. Seeds need a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees F. (21-23 C.) to … The seeds are ripe when they have a straw-colored tail and a black pointed seed. Place the harvested seed heads on a screen so that they dry thoroughly on all sides. Jun 8, 2020 - Marigold seeds aren?t exactly expensive, but they do have to be replanted every year. Just Pick the mature flowers dry them properly and store them as described earlier. Use scissors or your fingers to pinch the stem. Your email address will not be published. When it comes to harvesting marigold seeds, you're going to want to begin by looking at the blooms. Planting French marigold seeds can be done by starting them in the house before 4 to 6 weeks before winter has passed or by direct seeding once all danger of frost has passed. The new flowers are orange and small at first. If you see any fungal growth then first put the packet in direct sunlight and check if it has affected the whole lot or not. Choose seed heads that are dry and brown, but still have green left in part of the stem. So the slightly irritating deal here is this- you can’t really exactly tell when the seeds are ready to collect or not without breaking into the seedhead a little bit (Or just letting them dry to an actual crisp, but I’m too impatient for that). It usually blooms in bunches and lots of flowers grow together that can be harvested easily. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If it is hard enough to press then it is good to grow and if not –maybe rotten or useless. link to 15 Easy to grow Microgreens- Healthy Green Foods, link to Pros and Cons of Container Gardening, How to Grow Marigold from Cuttings-with Images. High quality non-GMO seeds and live plants delivered straight to your door by Ferry Morse, your trusted source for home gardening since 1856. Use scissors or your fingers to pinch the stem. Once a flower dies, it’ll start drying out and turn brown (top left hand corner of picture). How to harvest marigold seeds. Seed germinate in 5-7 days. This means you have to leave your wilting and dying marigold flowers on the plants for a while- if you start snapping them off as soon as they start to flag, the seeds won’t be ready yet. Packet: 50 seeds. August 14, 2020 August 19, 2020 Tom. Your email address will not be published. Simply pull off these dead head and allow them to completely dry indoors. This article will help you learn how to harvest marigold seeds from your own garden. Click here for more info. Why not try collecting and storing marigold seeds this year? In my opinion harvesting flowers is something that helps us to improve our responsibility towards nature.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'gardenbagan_com-leader-1','ezslot_1',115,'0','0'])); Hi, My name is Sukant. It's like instan... We have a well in front of our house that is like a miracle well. Jun 8, 2020 - Marigold seeds aren?t exactly expensive, but they do have to be replanted every year. Follow these steps to save marigold seeds. 1. Each flower will have hundreds of tiny rod-like seeds. The Marigold seeds are on the left, they are long slender, black and the points of the seeds are very sharp. Harvesting Marigold Seeds. Simply pull off these dead head and allow them to completely dry indoors. If you are planting French marigold seeds indoors, they need a warm area. For large varieties: sow seeds 18 to 24 inches apart; For medium varieties: space 12 … Marigold flowers are a mainstay in most of the gardens. When the petals are gone and the flower cup is brown, you should see the seeds sitting upright in the cup. Still, if you want to be sure then you can check the seed packets once in a month to make sure no fungal growth is seen. Planting French Marigold Seeds. Marigold seeds look alike for most varieties so to keep them separated you should place … The seeds you have harvested should be completely dry. Break apart the marigold heads with your hands, using your fingers to pull free the seeds. The topic doesn't need any Introduction. Thin to 8 inches (20 cm) apart in all directions for dwarf varieties; allow 12 inches (30 cm) between very tall varieties. How to dry marigold flowers? So if you let flowers to develop seeds in flowering season then your plant will start drying.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'gardenbagan_com-box-4','ezslot_5',107,'0','0'])); checkout our latest post on How to Grow Marigold from Cuttings-with Images. 99. Seed germinate in 5-7 days. Transplants need good soil amended with organic matter. It is a very important job for maintaining the plant cycle and also to keep the species alive and healthy for the next generation. Into our front garden it went.