Hi there,
I am currently changing the substrate on by table to a mix of top soil and play sand. Can I use top soil straight from the garden or would it need to be purchased from somewhere in particular? Thanks!

Hey there
I think it's best to buy topsoil from the local garden centre so you know you're getting sterile soil that won't have any unexpected surprises in it.
I got mine at Squires Garden centre - they have an offer on at the moment for four 25 litre bags for £10. I also bought children's playsand there too so the sand is nice and clean.

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1.1.0 Testudo graeca iberia
Wurtle and Bob

Was wondering how you get sterile top soil? Its not like compost after all which can be man made? I did however share the same concerns about the nasties in the garden soil. Then again doesnt seem to bother him when he's pottering aout the garden?

Yeah true - I guess they heat treat the soil perhaps?
Ultimately it's up to you - my garden has bits in it with plants I know are toxic so I wouldn't want to use the soil in case I inadvertently swept up a bit of a toxic plant, or something, but if your garden has a nice lot of tortoise-friendly soil then go for it

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1.1.0 Testudo graeca iberia
Wurtle and Bob

hi i buy mine from bnq i wouldnt use it from garden as there may be sharp pices of glass or ne thing in there, i wouldnt like to chance it for the sake of a couple of quid id ratehr pay that than a vet bill

thanks - that's the other place I was trying to remember to recommend - BnQ! They do top soil and sand and right now everywhere seems to have offers on it so maybe they do too?

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1.1.0 Testudo graeca iberia
Wurtle and Bob

Will get down to BnQ. Its not about saving a couple of quid I just didnt know where to get the best stuff from and if it was any different from garden top soil. Want to give him the best possible surroundings. Its what he deserves!