Decontaminating Soil Before Growing Vegetables?

Question:

Is there any way to decontaminate existing flower beds of dog and cat feces so that I could plant vegetables such as beans, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash?

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Bdasch from Port Aransas, Texas

Answer:

Bdasch,

Dilution is the soil-lution. First, remove any visible feces from the existing beds. Then add in as much new organic-rich soil as possible. Make sure you till it in deeply.

If you do this now, it's probably a good idea to let the new soil settle in and over-winter in the beds before planting your vegetables next year. During this period of "rest", cover the beds with black plastic. The heat generated by the plastic will help pasteurize the soil and further kill off any contaminants. It will also provide you with weed-free beds to start your vegetables with next year.

Studies have also shown that certain plants like Sunflowers are capable of taking up contaminants from the soil as they grow. An alternative to the plastic might be to plant a crop of sunflowers for the remainder of this year and then cover the beds with plastic over winter.

In any case, don't plant any edibles until you get your soil tested. Contact your county extension agency for more information on how to have your soil tested. Make sure to tell them about your specific situation and concerns.

If possible, avoid future contamination by designating specific areas outdoors for your dogs and cats to go to the bathroom (a fenced area for dogs and a sandbox for cats).

A second option is to build raised beds for your vegetables or grow them in containers.

Good luck!
Ellen