I have a pretty big backyard—about a lot and a half—and it shares a fence line with multiple neighbors. I really want to start a vegetable and flower garden, but I've got concerns because I think some of the neighbors are using Roundup. Does anyone have tips for minimizing chemical exposure in my garden beds? Also, I've noticed that since moving in, my yard tends to flood from the street, which might mean I'm dealing with runoff from other yards using Roundup. My garden beds are about a foot high, and I'm considering lining them or doing something else. Any advice on organic gardening techniques, as well as soil brands and seed sources would also be greatly appreciated, as I'm a beginner but eager to keep my garden as healthy as possible!
2 Answers
For seeds, I highly recommend checking out Johnny's Selected Seeds, Territorial Seeds, and Harris Seeds—these are my go-tos for food crops! I've heard great things about Fedco Seeds too. For cover crops, I'm trying out some varieties like sunn hemp—they’re supposed to be great for fixing nitrogen in the soil. Plus, they look pretty with their yellow flowers! Just a heads up: cover crops like buckwheat and field peas are also super beneficial, as they help improve the soil without much effort!
It might help to talk to your neighbors gently about their use of chemicals. Building a good relationship could lead to them reconsidering their practices. Also, you could check what they’re actually using—is it really Roundup? I have some sprays that look similar but are completely different. It's worth verifying before jumping to conclusions!
That makes sense! I didn’t think about just asking them. It could be someone using something less harmful. Good to know!