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Posted: Apr/10/2009 11:53 AM PST
I need help. I am new to gardening and would like to use the area where our dog run is for planting vegetables. Is it safe to use due to dog poo and urine. How can I prepare or clean the area to make it safe for planting vegetables. I want to make sure it is safe seeing that these would be consumed by my family. |
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Posted: Apr/10/2009 12:13 PM PST
I would - but - you have to cure the soil first. And is this space full of sun? If you have a lot of shade then forget it. You don't say where you live so maybe you still have time to get this done. Here in ET - most gardens are already in. Till the soil at least 1 foot deep - all of it. Remove all the debrey with a rake. Let it "bake" for a few days. Then - either get some chicken litter or epsom salt and mix that in. I don't know what type of soil you have - sandy, clay, rocky, etc.... I need to know that. We have 1/4 acre dog run but most of it is shady, except for the very back. This year I have my peas planted there - last year was my melons, but I found out my dogs loved to pick them just as they were ripe. (Yes, I still have dogs but they are not kept in that area but have access to it.) Give us some more information and maybe we can help you get started. |
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Posted: Apr/10/2009 12:18 PM PST
I leave in Richmond, Tx less than 15 miles from Houston. the area is very sunny. We put a cover on it for the dog but it is easily removed. |
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Posted: Apr/10/2009 12:19 PM PST
Oh and I am not sure about the soil type. My mother-in law is coming Tuesday to help me get it started. How can I tell |
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Posted: Apr/10/2009 12:30 PM PST
Welcome to Garden Guides. What type of soil as in clay, sand, loamy? You may need to add amendments if it is poor soil. Keep us posted in the Garden or Vegetable section about your progress. I'm sure that others might like to follow the procedure. |
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Posted: Apr/10/2009 1:42 PM PST
shona......... I'm about 90 miles up 59. I bet your mostly sandy soil there - here - red clay. Remove the cover - NOW!! Let it bake.... but you might get rain Sunday. I would be nice if you could till it before it rains - but we can work with whatever. (Just in case the poop has/had worms, etc..... urine - don't worry about - since most of the time that is totally sterile.) If you have a lot of grass in that area - mow it, now and don't pick up the clippings. When you till it will help the soil. You're a little late - but you still can plant a lot of stuff. Send me a PM with your email and I will help you all I can - since we live soo close together. 
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Posted: Apr/12/2009 4:45 AM PST
From the standpoint of safety, you might want to consider the risk of roundworms (dog parasite) as you work the soil. They can be passed to humans and is more likely a risk as you work the soil than it would be for people eating veggies out of your garden. The eggs of the roundworm can resist freezing and drying, and if they are there, short of removing 6" of the soil and starting over, you will not get rid of them. I don't know how you'd test the soil for their presence - you might ask a local extension agent. Here is a link to some more info: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/573090 |
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Posted: Apr/15/2009 1:39 PM PST
I asked my county extension agent this question and here is his response. no problem as long as it is tilled and at least 120 days until harvest of the crop---same as organic production with manures |
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