Is My Soil Safe for Planting Vegetables?

If your soil is sustaining other growth such as grass, it is likely safe for planting vegetables as well. For optimal growth, prepare your soil to be nutrient rich and well draining before planting, rather than opting for chemical fertilizers after planting.

Testing

• Cut straight down into the soil with a hand trowel, avoiding any decaying plant matter such as leaves, if possible, to obtain a 3-inch soil sample from soil about 6 inches deep. Take your sample in a clean container to your local cooperative extension office or full-service garden center for testing. Mention any concerns of contamination you might have and be sure to mention where you live. The test, which will cost just a few dollars, if anything, will show you the makeup of your soil, the nutrient count, pH level and any abnormalities. Follow the test suggestions for amending your soil to a healthy level. Commercial testing kits to do yourself are also available.

Raised Beds

• If your soil is deemed unsafe because of contamination, you can still grow a garden in containers or raised beds. Treat raised-bed gardening as any container gardening, filling your bed with a quality potting soil or potting soil/compost mixture.

Amending Soil

• Follow recommendations on amending your soil based on your test results. Add each amendment to the soil one at a time, turning the soil over with a spade until an even, powdery consistency.