I just purchased my dream home located by the ocean, but the lawn has been chemically treated for years to maintain that lush green look. My goal is to replace this lawn with beautiful flowers and fruit trees in the front, and grow some veggies in the back. I'm really concerned about the safety of planting anything in this treated grass. What steps should I take to ensure the soil is healthy and safe for my gardens? How long should I expect the process to take before I can start planting? This means a lot to me because this is my forever home!
3 Answers
Have you thought about using phytoremediators like sunflowers? They’re great for clearing out toxic substances from the soil, letting you start fresh without the chemicals. Sunflowers can actually absorb heavy metals and contaminants. Plus, they look pretty while doing the job!
I recommend starting small to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Maybe add a couple of flower beds or patches each year. It’ll take some time, but it's way more manageable. Just remove some of that bad topsoil, mix in new, healthy soil, and consider installing a drip irrigation system. Using native plants can also be a big help!
Starting a compost pile is a fantastic idea! It will create rich soil for your garden. Also, look into getting chip drops to utilize wood chips as mulch. You could even consider raised beds for easier planting later on.