Soil Preparation

Question

My father was preparing a garden area in part of the lawn. He spread weed killer there to kill the grass. How soon can we plant a garden?

Answer 1

This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-long-does-weed-killer-last-in-the-soil.htm Almost all weed killers and pesticides have a period of time after which it is safe eat food grown in them. The time varies as to how long the soil may still have remnants of the chemicals used. After about a year without the use of any chemical control, however, it should be ok. As a precaution though, I would suggest washing any fruit or veggies thoroughly prior to eating. If this garden is simply a flower garden, then the period of time would be less since the plants would not be ingested. Of course, most people don't want to wait that long, so you could instead implement raised beds in that area. This would allow you to begin growing your garden this season. For more tips on gardening in rasied beds, this article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm