I recently moved into a house with a lawn that had been heavily treated with chemicals, and I've noticed there are no natural plants like clover or violets growing. Since moving in two years ago, I've let everything grow (with some trimming) and have started mowing certain areas short, covering them with cardboard, compost, and wood chips. I'm looking to plant food crops next year and I'm wondering if two years is enough time for the soil to heal from the chemicals. Is it safe to plant, or am I stuck with this chemically-treated land indefinitely? Any insights would be appreciated!
3 Answers
The best way to know for sure is to get your soil tested. Local universities often do affordable soil tests, so check it out! It’ll give you a clear idea of what’s happening with your soil.
You're all set! Generally, if you're dealing with chemical treatments, that three-year mark is pretty standard for areas to be considered safe for planting, particularly for organic gardening. So, you've got a good start!
Thank you!
It really depends on the specific chemicals used. If you're unsure, maybe consider building raised beds using some wood to cover the area, and fill them with new soil. Just a heads up, in some cases, chemicals can take up to seven years to fully dissipate.
Thanks! I'm actually using raised beds with hugelkultur, so that should help.
That's really useful, thanks!