One factor which may be relevant is that 3-4 years ago I started
applying large amounts of horse manure (encouraged by the fact that it
was available free of charge) However, I haven't applied any for at
least one year.
If anyone can suggest a diagnosis , and preferably prescribe a cure ,
I will be eternally grateful :-)

I have heard of similar symptoms (except for the holes which may be a red
herring) caused by over manuring vegetable plots and turning the soil too
acidic. It may be worth while getting one of those PH testing kits and
testing the soil. If it is too acidic you simply need to dig some lime into
the soil to neutralise it and the soil will be productive once again.

--
Drakanthus.


(Spam filter: Include the word VB anywhere in the subject line or emails
will never reach me.)