My daughter had 3 dogs and is now moving – how long do I have to wait to plant a vegetable garden after the ground has been laden

Question

with a lot of dog poop? Since my husband died recently I had to move in with my daughter and her boyfriend. They had 3 rescue dogs now for about past 2 yrs. I’m hoping it will be safe to plant a vegetable garden in the spring. I also inherited her 15 chickens, and I told her I have no use for her 3 bunnies or 3 quail. I’m on a fixed income as a widow (60 1/2yrs old) ( and also will be paying rent/their mortgage) and I will need to learn to be more self-sustainable and learn how to sell chicken eggs and produce by myself. I really hate poop or touching it. One of her friends is willing to come and clean the coop for me and I will give her as any eggs as she needs.
Any help would be appreciated, thanks,
Donna

Answer 1

With the dog poop situation, I suggest waiting a year before planting edibles, especially root crops and leafy greens that are more easily contaminated by animal waste borne pathogens. I would use the year to build soil fertility with copious compost applications, maybe from compost you make yourself. Incorporating compost into the soil will help process the manure and neutralize pathogens.

Soil testing and prescription amendments based on actual deficiencies found is a good way to go.

If you wanted to get started gardening right away you can create raised beds and bring in soil for them.