Hey everyone! I'm diving into gardening and want to grow some edible plants and herbs in my small designated area (about 2m²) in a metropolitan neighborhood. However, I'm concerned about the safety of the soil because I'm pretty close to a heavily polluted river—like, it's so bad that you can't even swim in it! The soil is mostly just hit by rainwater and maybe water from a city hose, so I'm worried it could be contaminated. I can't rely on government info and sending soil samples to labs would break the bank for me. Does anyone know how I can check if the soil is safe for growing and consuming food?
4 Answers
I totally get your concern! I live near a river that's seen its fair share of industrial waste. I know I’ve got some contamination just from being close by. You might want to check if any local universities offer free soil testing—sometimes they run programs for residents. Also, look into the option of raised beds; you can buy quality soil from places like Lowe's or local greenhouses, which is a good way to ensure what you're planting in is clean.
If you're not sure about the safety of the soil, it might be best just not to use it at all. You can always cover the existing soil with fresh, clean soil. That way, you have a safe base to plant your garden without worrying about what’s below.
It really depends on where you're at. In my state, a basic soil test can be done for around $20, which is more affordable. But if you want to test for contaminants specifically, those tests can sometimes skyrocket in price—like up to $1400! So, while you should definitely consider a soil test, it’s usually better to assume the soil could be contaminated and invest in some good quality garden soil instead.
You might want to check if there are any environmental agencies in your area that list contaminated sites. If such sites exist nearby, they can give you an idea of what contaminants to be wary of. Plus, check local flood maps—if your area is flood-prone to the contaminated river, you might end up with contaminated flood sediments in your garden.