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Garden Gate:  Growing next to older homes and buildings....  |
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Horseyrider
True Blue Farmgirl
1045 Posts
Mary Ann
Illinois
1045 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 26 2006 : 05:03:19 AM
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I wonder if any of you have ever considered this, or tested for this.
I have an old home, and old outbuildings. My house was built by a Civil War veteran in probably the late 1860's or early 1870's. Outbuildings followed. We know that in those years paints were heavily lead based, and had other heavy metals in them like cadmium. We also know that plants can take these up and pass them to us. 
Because of this, I've always been wary of growing anything close to the house or outbuildings that we might eat.
Now I'm considering a little herb garden amidst some roses beside my deck. The deck extends from the house about twelve feet on one side and about 25 or 30 feet on the other. Has anyone ever had their soil tested to see if heavy metals by old buildings are a hazard? How far out did you go before you felt okay?
Thanks so much for your input! |
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HorseyNut
True Blue Farmgirl
78 Posts
Allena
MO
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - Mar 27 2006 : 05:10:32 AM
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HorseyRider,
I would definately get it tested, it's free at your county extention office, and I think they do a heavy metal test.
If it were me I think I would make a really nice raised bed with all new soil. That way you can have your herb garden but just eliminate the danger of metals. You can make one fairly cheap out of landscape timbers and a cirular saw, or often around here you can buy relaly pretty wooden barrels. Herbs don't usually take up much space so that might be a good alternative if your soil has any heavy metals.
Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do...but how much love we put in that action. - Mother Teresa |
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Horseyrider
True Blue Farmgirl
1045 Posts
Mary Ann
Illinois
1045 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2006 : 05:01:35 AM
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| Thanks, Allena! What a great idea! We have some really awesome rich soil here; it looks like field after field of black loamy potting soil, so the idea of adding more never occurred. I really appreciate the suggestion! |
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LJRphoto
True Blue Farmgirl
760 Posts
Laura
Hickory Corners
MI
USA
760 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2006 : 05:21:13 AM
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Someone did a study on how certain plants remove the heavy metals and return the soil to a healthy state and I think that there was even a way that the guy was working on to process the metals back out of the plants for recycling (not that you would want to go through that)... I'll see if I can find the information.
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect." -Mark Twain
http://ljrenterprises.blogspot.com/ |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2006 : 07:20:04 AM
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Mary Ann, GET IT TESTED FIRST !!
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2006 : 10:34:32 AM
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I live in an early 1870's farmhouse, as well. I haven't had the soil tested for heavy metals, but I think I will ask the county extension agent about this. Good idea - thanks for the information!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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Horseyrider
True Blue Farmgirl
1045 Posts
Mary Ann
Illinois
1045 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2006 : 10:55:45 AM
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quote:
Because of this, I've always been wary of growing anything close to the house or outbuildings that we might eat.
I can't believe I said this! It sounds like we're eating buildings!
Let me rephrase: I've always been wary of growing anything that we might eat next to the house or outbuildings.
There. That's better.
Michele, I promise I won't plant anything I intend to eat next to the house without testing the soil! We've lived her for 23 years, and have always found a way to grow the edibles elswhere.
Libbie, if you do end up getting the tests done, do report back. It'd be interesting to hear what they find out! |
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Garden Gate: Growing next to older homes and buildings.... |
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Growing next to older homes and buildings....
