We live in a development where our neighbors on either side have their yards chemically treated. We would like to plant a garden but I fear that these chemicals will leach into our vegies etc. I'd appreciate your thoughts as to - should we go ahead and plant or nix planting a garden. Thanks!
gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts
Posted - Mar 19 2009 : 12:18:18 PM
Wow I had a garden in Texas 35 years ago and never even once thought about that fact. Both neighbors and I use a Chem lawn service and the days they would treat the yard you could smell the chemicals. We ate the produce after a good wash and never had any problem. I don't know I would do it now. Good question.
Mary Lou, you could do the raised beds. Just put black plastic down first and fill with a good soil. Maybe the days they have their lawns treated you could cover it up. I wish people would not spray their lawns. One day they may have to plant gardens theirselves. Then what will they do?
We have a place near us that rents garden spaces. It's an organic farm. They are always full by this time. Maybe you could see if there is a place near you that rents garden spots.
Good luck. Kris
Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. Maori proverb
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts
Posted - Mar 19 2009 : 9:15:04 PM
Are you down hill from them? I would think that unless you were sharing a fenceline with the sprayed yard you would be okay and perhaps you could ask them to give you a days notice as to when their yard is going to be sprayed so you can cover your vegetables. OR like Kristin suggested, do raised beds. You could even buy plastic sheeting so it would be like putting your plants in a green house when you cover them.
I am going to have our soil tested just to see... We work on an organic CSA over the summer and get free vegies every week, but I'd like to have a couple things in my own backyard. Thanks for your suggestions.
Neighbor's Chemically Treated Yard
Posted - Mar 19 2009 : 11:20:03 AM
