Grow Your Own Magazine

I have just planted some of these in the garden only to be told they are a magnet for rats!!! Has anyone else ever planted them? I don't mind the odd field mouse and the odd wayward squirrel but draw the the line at rats. They have a 'millet' type flower that they are attracted to. Any help would be much appreciated - they could be coming out tomorrow!!!
Chris

I've got some red Amaranth just ready for planting - but I'm not up for rats either.
I''ll wait and see if we get any info here.
I only wanted to grow them for the leaves - so maybe the rats wouldn't be attracted.

__________________

From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.

I believe we may be at cross purposes here. I think Amaranth is for the veggie plot whilst Amaranthus is for the flower bed. Perhaps someone of a greater knowledge could tell us

Chris

I'm a bit sleepy and dopey still: I thought your post said Agapanthus.
There are lots of amaranthus, see here: Amaranthaceae - Plants For A Future database search

amaranthus retroflexus (common, aka pigweed. grows from spilt birdseed) Common amaranth - Weed information - Organic Weed Management
Amaranthus hypochondriacus Amaranthus hypochondriacus - Plants For A Future database report

__________________
~ What do I think of Western civilisation? I think it would be a very good idea ~ Gandhi

Thanks for that, didn't realise I could eat it!!!!
Just spoken to a friend who read up on 'things' eating things they shouldn't. Apparently rodents hate chilli but it has no effect on birds, so I am off to soak some chilli in some hot water in a spray bottle and as soon as they start to flower shall be spraying them with this.

Chris

ok. But rodents don't tend to attack our crops (apart from mice stealing pea seeds). Rats prefer cooked food and takeaways

__________________
~ What do I think of Western civilisation? I think it would be a very good idea ~ Gandhi