Q.Growing plants/vegetables next to swimming pool
I set up a garden behind my pool, and have yet to get anything to grow. I have planted Cilantro, Tomatoes, Green Beans, Onions, Garlic and nothing grows. Even purchased potted tomato plants with tomatoes on them and they won’t grow any bigger. Do you think that chlorine gas from my swimming pool is to blame and, if so, should I move the raised dirt I put in or just start from scratch? The chlorine is the only thing I can come up with for my failure to grow plants there. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Larry.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
I don't think the chlorine would hurt the plants. Perhaps there is another issue with the soil or site that is hurting the plants. For example, the soil could be too low in organic material and could need compost. A soil test could help with this.
Pool water can also create glare that could burn or overheat plants. However, there are plenty of plants that can grow directly next to a pool:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/planting-around-pools.htm
