Insects - Nematodes
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  Trying to rid my garden spot of nematodes, I tried your soil solarization suggestion. I tilled the garden about 18 inches deep, watered and spread clear plastic August 28. By the first of October, I have a gigantic crop of weeds. What did I do wrong? What can I do to eradicate nematodes. (Hot Springs)

  How long did you leave the plastic covering on? July and August are the two months that work best, but with the extended heat into September, I would have thought that would have done it. Normally we leave the soil covered for six to eight weeks. The plastic must be in firm contact with the soil, and it should be weighted down around the edges, to prevent oxygen from getting in and lowering the temperatures. Solarization should work for nematodes and weed seeds. The only other option would be to hire a lawn care company to commercially sterilize your soil.

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