I just received a soil test report showing 180ppm of lead in my front garden, which measures about 17' x 24'. Since I'm renting and plan to stay here for a few years, I want to ensure I'm gardening safely. My roommate, who owns the place, is willing to help with some costs. Aside from the front yard, I also have a side yard and a community garden plot I can use. I've been considering different options to address this lead issue:
Option A) Dilute the lead with phosphorus fertilizer, till the soil, and wash all vegetables thoroughly, including removing outer leaves and peeling carrots.
Option B) Build raised garden beds and mulch the pathways.
Option C) Split the yard in half for phyto-remediation on one side while using movable raised beds or containers on the other side.
I'm leaning towards Option C because I want to stay on a budget, and I really enjoy getting my hands in the soil without the hassle of peeling veggies. What do you all think?
3 Answers
You might also want to reach out to your state university extension for professional advice. They usually advise against approaches like phyto-remediation as it can be expensive and may not effectively reduce lead levels. They’re likely to recommend using raised beds or pots with clean soil for safety.
I found some research that suggests always using gloves when handling soil that may be contaminated and to minimize getting dirt inside your home. It's worth considering how best to protect yourself while gardening.
As a master gardener with a background in environmental safety, I'd strongly advise against messing with soil that contains lead. The best approach is to use closed-bottom raised beds filled with clean, purchased soil. If you're on a tight budget, grow bags could work too, but limit the number of plants you grow. It's smart to avoid spending too much on improving someone else's property. In the meantime, you could grow a couple of tomatoes in pots and buy the rest of your veggies from the store or services like FlashFood.
Yeah, container gardens are definitely a good option! I grew all sorts of veggies in pots before, and you can have a really diverse garden with different types of containers. Plus, they can look really nice! I've even mixed in some ornamental plants for added beauty.
Totally agree! And don't forget to check for any local community garden resources; some places offer free compost which can help later on.
We've actually contacted them. They performed the soil test and said we should follow best management practices. They didn't completely rule out growing in the soil until it hits 400ppm; they suggested using phosphate fertilizers and keeping soil mulched to minimize lead exposure.