Comments on: Will Lead Poisoning Weigh-Down Your Summer Urban Gardening Plans?

By: Jim Hickey

Jim Hickey — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:30:46 +0000

Hello Bruce,

Thanks for stopping and commenting!

You are right; there are definitely other areas (and potential contaminants) you have to be concerned with. Anyone concerned with the prior use of the property or even if you are unsure of it, raised bed gardens are truly a great option. Beyond contaminants introduced by us, some areas also have to worry about natural contamination as well.

Jim

By: Bruce

Bruce — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:42:21 +0000

Hey Jim,

Thanks for the info. The problem you describe is not limited to just urban gardens. Lead from landfills (where suburban housing is built) often contains lead that leaches into the soil and water resources around it. Those in more rural areas also have to be aware of contaminated soil near to where they want to plant a garden. I personally think anyone who wants a good vegetable garden should do it in raised containers where he/she has control over what goes into that soil. Hydroponics is not all that bad an idea either except that it can be expensive unless you’re growing for others as well. Thanks again for the info.

Bruce

By: Jim Hickey

Jim Hickey — Sat, 23 May 2009 02:06:55 +0000

Hi Mark,

It’s amazing how many new things have been learned and issues raised because of it. I grew up living in a century old house in New England and we always had a summer garden with tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, summer squash and some lettuce and herbs on occasion. It definitely makes you stop and wonder.

Jim Hickey

By: Mark Justice

Mark Justice — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:59:42 +0000

Hi Jim,
This is certainly the season for gardening. My wife spends three or four hours a day this time of year, in her gardens. Lead poisoning from gardening is something I had never considered. We do live in an older neighborhood and it would be worth checking. Thanks for the article!

Mark Justice

By: Jim Hickey

Jim Hickey — Wed, 20 May 2009 05:24:40 +0000

Hello Phillip,

Thanks for stopping and commenting. This has been a recognized but persistent problem here in the US for a number of years. Normally, lead in that form is fairly immobile but when gardening, the conditions can change and it becomes mobile and available to plants. It’s also a significant problem with children since they have a habit of eating dirt!

My best always,
Jim H.

By: Simple Health Exercises

Simple Health Exercises — Wed, 20 May 2009 05:09:39 +0000

Hi five folks – wow what a well tuned article this is – I never put these two together lead is certainly a metal we all need to steer clear from and before this read I would not have thought about this problems that could lurk in my back garden – years ago there was a massive outcry in my town a lot of old properties had lead water pipes feeding into the properties in and around town – i was thinking that was the end of lead poisoning but after reading your post the penny has dropped its obvious if you think about it once pointed out of course! – thanks for these tips I’ll be on the look out in future.

All my best to you and your safe gardening
Phillip Skinner