I know sugar or molasses works wonders for driving away fire ants. It will probably do the same for other types of ants, too. The theory is that sugar causes an explosion of microbial activity in the soil. The ants hate the microbial activity and leave. You can try dry molasses, which is sold in 50# bags as cattle feed. Broadcast it all over your yard at 20# per 1000 sq ft. Another way would be to buy a gallon of liquid molasses, pour it into a hose end sprayer, and apply at 2 ounces per gallon. Either way should get the same effect. Normal table sugar might work too, but wouldn't provide any of the micronutrients that you would get from molasses. you should see results almost immediately.

You are a man after my own heart. I'm watching a patch of Sweet Autumn clematis for when the seeds are ready, and wishing I was back where there were wild black eyed Susans and coreopsis growing everywhere along the roadsides in the undeveloped section of my old town. There is also some cardinal vine I'm keeping an eye on down the street growing on the Goodwill fence. I missed it last year, but I'm determined to get some this year. I have several African Irises growing now that I got from seeds harvested from the plants in the Kohl's parking lot. I planted some Coral Honeysuckle seeds I found on the back of the property, but I don't know if they'll ever come up.

Collecting about every Japanese morning glory I can get my paws on. Kelli introduced me to this plant and I can't get enough. They are incredibly showy and easy to grow. There is also a chance that the seeds you're getting have been crossed, which can result in some really fun surprises. Always beautiful, I have never been disappointed with an unexpected outcome. Also love zinnias, marigolds, sunflowers, cosmos, basils, coleus, and nasturtium (thought I didn't do so well growing that last one!).

It's an addiction so you'll probably enjoy being out there every day! I'm an addict, too. penstemon bloom, then form little pods that look like popcorn kernels. Let them dry and harden on the stalk. Each kernel has teeny tiny seeds in it. When you crack it open you'll see the baby seeds. coreopsis-the ones I've dealt with formed a small cluster where the bloom was. It's a difficult choice whether to deadhead or let them go to seed. I like the look when they're all deadheaded. The dry head, when pinched open with your fingernail, will have 3 or so seeds about the size of a radish seed. columbine-seed pods are glorious. After blooming there's a crown-shaped pod. Let it dry, but get it before it breaks open and spurts those seeds everywhere. There are teeny sides inside that multi-pronged seed pod. daisies-are probably setting seed now. The petals fall off, but the yellow button center remains and turns a darker yellow. When dry, snip off the head. When you brush your thumb across the yellow surface it will turn into 100s of seeds. Easy to put in an envelope and save yarrow-isn't very pretty as it moves toward seed stage. The large, flat flower heads dry, the vibrant color fades. Again, you have to be patient to wait for it to mature and dry. I cut off the flower head lower on the stem. Once inside, I try to brush, shake the seeds onto a paper or plate. peonies- I researched starting peonies from seed and it sounded like more than I could handle. The directions said to chill the seed for 2 years (in the refrigerator?). I decided that was beyond my skill set although I look at those seeds every year and wonder. daylilies-wonderful seed pods like green eggs at the top of a chopstick stuck int he ground over the bending green leaves. They dry slowly. Once dry (but before t hey break open) the seed pods are so much fun. Each seed is inside a separate little room inside the seed pod like a 3-bedroom apartment for 3 best friends. cosmos-my favorite seeds to save. Petals fall off and the seed head is a small ball. When ripe, the black seeds split apart easily and are hard. If you see anything soft or green, it's too early.