How Long Before Planting A Space That Has Held Sheep, Dogs

Question

My space is 75 x 60.At one time there was 4 sheep and two dogs. Only one sheep and one dog now. Had some of them there about 1 1/2 yrs. Old vegetable garden enclosure. Want to reclaim space as a veg. garden. How long should I wait before doing that? Years? Never? Dogs never wormed nor vaccinated.

Answer 1

There is no set rule for animals that consume meat, but the only problem is dog feces. Being a meat eater, they can carry some pretty wild diseases and pathogens that CAN be transferred to humans through consuming contaminated crops. Generally, for fresh manure, this is a 90 day period, but since we are talking about dog feces- Better safe than sorry.

The only, true, way to be sure that nothing remains in your soil is to have it tested. Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/test-soil-for-pests-and-diseases.htm

There are a few things that you can do to help the process along, though. This article will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/sanitizing-garden-soil-after-pets.htm