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  Paul McNulty September 19, 2015 at 10:33pm

  Hi,

  Soil sterilisation is a very serious treatment. What have you tried so far, what plants have failed, what's the underlying condition of the soil?
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    Angela Mellor > Paul McNulty September 22, 2015 at 8:58pm

    Hi Paul ... thanks for your reply ... it's a new garden .. landscaped within the last couple of years ... general condition of the soil isn't good at all ... tried adding new topsoil , but doesn't seem to have helped . Have decided to get a soil testing meter ... have you used one and do you recommend ? 
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  Edward Wright September 19, 2015 at 10:34pm

  Have you had a dig around to see the make up of soil? Perhaps a jar test or ph test? What plants are they trying to grow? Are there any conifer trees/ pine trees growing nearby?
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    Angela Mellor > Edward Wright September 22, 2015 at 9:01pm

    Hiya Edward, thanks for your reply .. have decided to take your advice and get a soil testing meter ... BTW ... do conifers make a lot of difference ? They have them dotted around the entire garden.
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      Edward Wright > Angela Mellor September 22, 2015 at 11:26pm

      Conifers can really dry out soil due to the extensive root system they have. Over time they can also affect your ph level.
      
      I've seen people have had results with cyclamen, seeds crocus and anemone bland in such areas.
      
      I've also seen rotted down woodchip mixed in with soil as an organic matter. Any tree surgeons yards nearby?
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  David Benson September 19, 2015 at 10:40pm

  what makes you say the soil needs sterilising ? dos the soil need enriching with manure / fertilizer. what is the soil like sandy or clay etc. bit more info would help   
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    Angela Mellor > David Benson September 22, 2015 at 9:06pm

    Hello David .. thank you for your reply ... we have tried using fertilizer .... the soil that came from the landscapers was not of the best quality ... we removed many stones, bits of baler twine, pieces of pottery, but there seemed to be large amounts of straw enriched manure in it too !!! Some of the soil is very sandy and in other parts of the garden the soil is very heavy ..... we have decided to get a soil testing meter, so hopefully that will help us find the problem .. ah well, such is the life of a gardener .... 
• PRO

  Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd September 22, 2015 at 9:08pm

  Don't sterilise, add something with lots of organic matter like recycled green waste from a company which processes and composts it properly according to PAS100.
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    Angela Mellor > Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd September 22, 2015 at 9:19pm

    Thanks Nick for your reply ... that sounds good advice ... do you know names of any reputable companies I could get in touch with please ?
    • PRO

      Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd > Angela Mellor September 22, 2015 at 9:28pm

      We use Shorts Agrocultural Services Ltd - their yard is close to Bracknell, Berks.
      
      Whereabouts are you based?