Re-spreading mound of soil and turf- wasp nest

Jorge Jorgesson

A couple of questions. A couple of months ago, I built a patio in the rear garden. The sod and soil that I removed (~ three tonnes) has been left heaped in part of the garden since.

I'm in the process of spreading it and making flower beds but have come across a wasp nest in the mound of soil. It's the size of an orange. I was lucky not to strike it with the shovel.

How long do wasps typically inhabit a nest, if I were to just cease work and leave them be?

My second question is, the sod I removed was in small squares. If I just lay the squares, upside down, will they break down into manageable soil over time? Or do I need to do it manually?

The Continental Op

Wasps - nest last a year so it will be gone by winter. If you want to get rid of them pile a few boxes of grass clippings over the nest.

Breaking down sods takes about 6 months if you stack them about meter high (max) and cover with a tarpaulin, water occasionally.

Jorge Jorgesson

Thanks for that. The wasp nest has disappeared for some reason. It either fell away after the soil being disturbed and abandoned, or predated by birds.

I ended up breaking up each sod with a shovel and redistribute it around the garden. I'll keep raking it throughout summer and seed it later in the year.