[Elaine G]

I have removed a conifer from my garden, and the soil underneath is very dry/dusty on the surface and impossible to dig at the moment (but we do need some rain here, she says quietly!) I need to improve the soil, but am not sure what to use.
I have no access to rotted manure, but can buy bags from the garden centre. Do I need to be concerned about aminopyralid if I am going to plant shrubs, or is it only fatal for veggies.
Any opinions or suggestions gratefully received.

Thanks

Elaine

[DavidT]

It doesn`t have to be manure, garden compost will do just as well. As for the weedkiller, it is detrimental to ALL plants, so be careful. If you can get spent mushroom compost that will be fine. You could also end up with a nice crop of mushrooms.

[Goosegirl]

Be careful about mushroom compost as it has added lime which your conifers might not like as they prefer acid to neutral soil. I'd get a bag of ericaceous compost if you have no home-made compost or leaf mould.

[Yorkie]

Aminopyralid is a selective weedkiller so it is not harmful to all plants.

The ornamentals likely to be susceptible include:
umbelliferae family
sweet peas and other legumes
dahlias
some species of roses.

[Elaine G]

Thanks for the replies folks.
Do not know of a source of mushroom compost and most of my home made stuff has gone to the allotment, which is why I now have to buy stuff in!
I am planning on planting shrubs and perennials where the conifers were so they would seem to be OK in purchased manure.
Also we are getting the rain now so I might be able to dig it in by next week   

Elaine

[marrow]

Suggest you get a load of manure to put the humus back into the soil and bring the soil back to life, dig it in then add compost.


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