Ants are usually seen as the hardworking cleanup crew of the natural world. In our gardens, they actually do us a favor by clearing out germs and diseases. However, if you start seeing a sudden parade of ants all over your artichokes, it’s time to pay close attention.
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Why are ants on artichokes a red flag?
Seeing ants is almost always a sign of an aphid infestation. These two insects actually live in a “symbiotic” relationship—which is just a fancy way of saying they help each other out. The ants “milk” the aphids for their sweet honeydew, and in exchange, they act like tiny bodyguards, protecting the aphids from predators like ladybugs.
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Why are ants dangerous for your artichokes?
When ants shield aphids from their natural enemies, the aphid population can explode. These pests suck the sap right out of the plant, causing serious damage. If the infestation gets bad enough, your artichoke plant could actually die. In a balanced organic garden, there are usually plenty of beneficial insects to eat the aphids before things get out of hand—but ants are very effective at fighting those “good bugs” off.
How do I protect my artichokes from ants?
The best defense is a good offense: keep your artichokes strong with proper care and fertilizing. A healthy plant is much less likely to attract aphids and their ant companions. If you already see them crawling around, try spraying the plant regularly with a sharp stream of water to knock the ants off. This gives predators a chance to move in and feast on the aphids. For a more natural remedy, you can also spray the plant with stinging nettle manure or garlic tea.
Pro Tip: Use companion planting to keep ants away
Take advantage of companion planting! Ants aren’t fans of strong-smelling herbs like peppermint, lavender, thyme, or chervil. By planting these nearby, you’ll discourage ants from hanging around, leaving those aphids wide open to natural predators.