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Septic Tanks & Gardening
https://gladerebooted.net/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=6341		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  LadyKate [ Sat May 21, 2011 1:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Septic Tanks & Gardening
I know absolutely zero about septic tanks, but our new home will have one, and it is located within 10 feet of the spot where I want to plant my vegetable garden this June.
I didn't think about it until just now, but...isn't that a risky proposition? I was SO looking forward to planting a veggie garden and that is the best spot to do it in.
How far away from a septic tank does a vegetable garden need to be in order to be safe?

I'm so bummed. I was really hoping not to have to grow stuff in pots this year.
Author:  Micheal [ Sat May 21, 2011 2:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
Not a good idea, for the reasons you fear.

http://www.inspectapedia.com/septic/fieldplants8.htm
Author:  LadyKate [ Sat May 21, 2011 5:34 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yeah, I did some googling and read that article, among several others that all said basically the same thing: It could contaminate your food, and depending on what you grow, it could damage te septic tank pipes/and or prevent it from working properly.

That SUCKS!!!!

So...plan B....back to wondering what I can plan in pots besides herbs. :'(
Author:  Jasmy [ Sat May 21, 2011 7:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Septic Tanks & Gardening
Anything that you were planning on planting in the ground can be grown in pots...you just need to get big enough pots.

I'm growing tomatoes, zucchini, onions, lettuce, three kinds of peppers, and strawberries in pots, as well as herbs.
Author:  Rynar [ Sat May 21, 2011 7:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hanging tomatoes, tire planted above-ground carrots and potatoes, asparagus can be planted in a boxed off bed, bell peppers., pretty much anything as long as you plan it well and tend to it often. I have a client who lives in a very urban area, and has an entire vegetable garden planted in pots on his roof... also, doobie can be planted anywhere.
Author:  LadyKate [ Sat May 21, 2011 7:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
Well, the prob is that we have two mortgages to pay until our other house sells...so buying pots is out of the question. I could scrape together the monies for the seeds, but I was hoping to plant in the ground and use the soil, cuz its free, haha!
Now I have to somehow come up with the monies for several large pots and potting soil.
I'm sure I'll figure out something.

I know that peppers and herbs and beets and radishes can be grown in pots, and I've seen tomatoes grown in a horsetrough before...but I'm nos so sure about potatos and carrots and squashes and zuchinis.
Author:  Midgen [ Sat May 21, 2011 8:51 pm ]
Post subject: 
find some old tires somewhere (Rynar suggestion), or an old discarded kiddie pool.. they can be found free. You can always transplant later when you can get 'real' pots, or build some boxes....
Author:  Rynar [ Sat May 21, 2011 9:02 pm ]
Post subject: 
LK:

You can get all the materials you need for free. Go to lowes or home depot, and ask about purchasing soil, manure, fertilizer, and mulch at a discount if you purchase the broken bags. It's the only way I buy it. I usually walk out with about $500 of the stuff for the cost of $20 out of pocket twice a season.

You can build the frame for your raised bed out of pallets, which you can get for free.
Author:  LadyKate [ Sat May 21, 2011 9:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
Sweet! Thanks! I read a little bit about raised beds...don't know where I'd put it though. I need to find out exactly where the pipes are because I read something about raised beds being bad for the septic tank...something about inhibiting leeching and weight on the shallow pipes or something.
I didn't think about a kiddie pool, haha! That's not a bad idea. Kind of redneck though...my neighbors might not like it. Makes sense though, and I bet I could plant flowers or something around the edges to disguise it.
Yay for ideas on the cheap!! :D Thanks!
Author:  Jasmy [ Sat May 21, 2011 11:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Septic Tanks & Gardening
Like I said Kate, anything you can grow in the ground you can grow in pots or other containers...even old toilets, tubs, cowboy boots :P

Check your thrift shops, garage sales, etc...I'm sure you can find something you can use! :D
Author:  LadyKate [ Sun May 22, 2011 7:11 am ]
Post subject: 
Ooooo! I really like the old bathtub idea! Thanks! Now I know what to be on the look-out for.
Author:  Micheal [ Sun May 22, 2011 7:29 am ]
Post subject: 
Of course, do watch for volunteer weeds that some folks try to sneak into otherwise legal gardens.
Author:  LadyKate [ Sun May 22, 2011 7:46 am ]
Post subject: 
Volunteer weeds?
Author:  LadyKate [ Sun May 22, 2011 7:46 am ]
Post subject: 
Ohhhhh......heh, I see. Yeah, not much problem with that around here. Thugs don't know how to grow anything but hatred.
Author:  Kirra [ Mon May 23, 2011 8:22 am ]
Post subject: 
Kate, check the local newspaper, I've seen plant swaps where you can go and swap plants. Bring one, take one. Sometimes they arent so strict about you bringing something if they have alot of it. It would be a variety too, perennials and herbs are what I have seen the most at these events.
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