Last winter, my dog left a few poop piles in an area that's about 8 feet long and 1 foot wide, which I want to use for my garden this year. There are still some chunks of poop visible. I'm planning to plant cantaloupe and watermelon in that spot, but not exactly where the poop is. Is it safe to clear away the 2-4 pieces of poop and still plant there, or should I completely find a different location? I'm new to in-ground gardening as most of my food is in grow bags.
3 Answers
Just pick up the poop! That's the easiest and most straightforward solution.
Don't stress too much about it! Just pick up the pieces you see. If your dog isn't on a raw diet, the chances of harmful parasites are pretty low. Plus, you'll probably be at a greater risk of getting something from dog kisses than from what he's left in the soil!
That’s reassuring! My dog mainly eats kibble, but who knows what else he samples when he's outside! That's his business, haha!
You could be super cautious and have your dog's poop tested for parasites at the vet, especially since some can hang around longer in the soil. But honestly, poop is a common element in gardening, so as long as you're careful, it should be fine! Just make sure to clear out the poop before planting.
Thanks for the suggestion! I wasn't sure about that. My dog recently had a vet check and was clear of giardia.
Haha, never thought of that! Thanks for the tip!