Check with your local university extension service; they should be able to do this for you at minimal cost. Follow the instructions on their form carefully. This usually involves digging more than 6 inches deep in several spots, mixing the soil together, letting it dry, and then mailing it along with a form they provide. There may be a small fee for this service (it cost me $12).
They will test the soil and create a report telling you what type of soil amendments you need to grow vegetables, but even more important, if there is too much lead in your soil to even make vegetable growing safe (and if your children may need to be tested).
Much to our surprise, our soil has quite a high percentage of lead, so we are growing flowers in that bed (covered with mulch, per their instructions) and growing veggies in containers instead. For such a small fee, we found this information to be priceless.
By Natasha from Boston
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
My new puppy has pooped several times in the vegetable garden since last fall. When he was young he had a type of worm. Can I plant my vegetables there this spring or do I need to change all the soil?
Hardiness Zone: 7a
By Tracy from Kinnelon, NJ
I can't imagine it could be a problem, I mean, no one can control where animals poop. I would pick it up whenever you can, but I wouldn't worry about it.
