[Mole Farmer]

I think I've fixed the problem now. I've added a bunch of straw and turned the pile really well. I think that it just wasn't getting enough air. The pile was pretty wet and compact after the winter months. I also added some compost starter and it's cookin' like a champion right now.

[Mole Farmer]

Ugh! I've been dealing with the same thing. Planting in shady-acidic soil can be difficult at best. You may want to consider building some raised beds where you can control the pH and quality of your garden soil. If, not consider acid loving plants, like azaleas, rhododendrons, blueberries, and holly. Roses like a slightly acidic soil and should do well there too! Just make sure they get enough sun.

I can't tell what's eating your rose plants from your description, but once you ID the little buggers, they shouldn't be too difficult to keep under control. Here are a couple of other suggestions:

• Add lime to adjust your soil pH
• Add plenty of compost – it will build your soil and tends to neutralize pH
• Trim the lower branches of your fir trees to allow more light through

Good luck and let me know how it turns out!

[Mole Farmer]

I think that you'll be alright putting your sunflowers on the north side of the garden. During the summer months the sun sits way up high in the sky. I bet your garden will still get plenty of light.

If the sunflowers cast a shadow, put your sun loving plants, like tomatoes on the other side of the garden and plant vegetables, like lettuce and carrots in the shadier spots.

[Mole Farmer]

Do you know where their nest is? If so, try using diatomaceous earth. It's not really a poison, but kills ants that crawl through it by scratching up their hard outside layer. (Do ants have an exoskeleton?) They eventually die of dehydration.

Boric acid may work too! I know that it works on other ants.

You could also try drenching the mound with a botanical insecticide, like pyrethrin. While it most likely won't get the entire mound, it certainly should reduce their numbers.

[Mole Farmer]

Hahahahaha. I was thinking of that too!

[Author]

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