How To Sterilise Diol In Large Garden Pot

Question

I have a large garden pot that is too heavy to move and it contained a rhodedendron that died last summer. How can I prepare the soil ready to plant a new rose bush. I’m afraid the soil could be infested or infected as the rhodedendron was healthy til last year.

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Answer 1

You can replace the soil with a commercial product for containers. An alternative would be to sterilize the soil by covering it with clear plastic for about 8 weeks in the hottest part of the summer.

Also, since you are planting a different species, the chances are lower of reinfecting the plant. Replacing part of the soil with compost may be all you need to do to replenish and refresh the soil.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/how-to-solarize-garden-beds-to-eliminate-garden-pests-in-the-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/sterilizing-soil.htm