earth build up on stems of artichokes, by ants?

Question

Hi, Please can you help.

I am growing some globe artichokes and I am getting a continual build up of earth on the stems, which I think is being put there by ants. Every time I water the plant I wash it off but it will be back on within one or two days. Please can you tell me (a) if this will harm the plant and (b)what if anything do I need to do or can be done. I enclose pics.

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Answer 1

Is it dirt or is it aphids? During my research I noticed the pictures of aphid infestatons looked like dirt.
Try spraying the leaves with Neem oil and see if that stops it.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/artichoke/preventing-artichoke-problems.htm