Garden Questions of the Week
“I seem to struggle with dampening off on my seedlings indoors. Any suggestions?” Yes, a couple things – use top grade potting mixes (seed starting mixes are very light – so are sterile), use caution to not over water (Try using a mister), thin the seedlings to keep them open and airy, if you’re using a cover – make sure it is vented as soon as the seeds begin to grow, and keep the air moving around these plants with a slow moving fan.
“Can you remind me which shrubs I should prune inn the spring and which ones later? I always forget!” Technically, you could trim all the shrubs and trees in the spring if you’d like, but it you did that on spring flowering ornamental trees and shrubs, you’d be removing many of the flower buds. Granted there are exceptions to the rule, but for the most part, when it comes to pruning ornamental flowering trees and shrubs, here is the golden rule: If the plant flowers in the spring, prune it after flowering (flowers on last years growth). If the plant flowers in the summer (after early June) then prune it in the spring (flowers on new growth). If you’re not sure, just check with us.
“My husband is considering building our vegetable garden on top of the septic lines. Any thoughts about doing this?” Personally, I wouldn’t do it / wouldn’t take the risk. Here’s a tip sheet we wrote to help you decide what to do: -Grass grows great over septic drain fields. So the question is whether or not other plants can be grown over septic systems, especially fruits and vegetables. Although there is no hard and fast answer (as each drain field is unique in design, soil types, etc), here are some things to consider before you plant edibles over or near septic systems. Then YOU can make the final decision. (Info based on University / Professional sources) Plant any plants at all? -Yes, the right plants can help leach fields by removing moisture, utilizing nutrients, and reducing erosion. At minimum, theses areas should be planted with grass to provide all of these benefits. If other plants are desired, shallow rooted herbaceous plants (annuals, perennials, grasses, groundcovers) that are not excessively water loving plants have a low risk of causing any problems. Tree and shrub planting is very risky as their root systems are likely to clog and or damage the drain lines. Smaller less aggressive trees and shrubs may be ‘okay’ planted nearer to the drain fields, but there is always a risk of problems in the future. If trees and shrubs are desired, plant them as far away from the drain fields as possible (allow for mature root spread, plus some). Select less aggressive plants and those not water loving. In ground root barriers may help keep roots from invading the lines, but again, tree and shrub planting near a drain field will always be a risk of creating future problems. When planting, minimize tilling of the soil and always wear gloves to protect against harmful organisms that may be present in the soil. What about Vegetable Gardens (fruits)? – Planting a vegetable garden over a septic drain field is very tempting, as those sites are usually big, flat, sunny, and the grass grows like crazy. Whether or not to plant edibles over or near a septic system is your decision to make. But here are some questions to ask before you decide: -What’s the risk of contamination? Will there be pathogenic or chemical contamination of the soil (bacteria, viruses, household cleaners, septic chemical treatments)? Will septic system pathogens enter or contaminate the fruits and vegetables? Will chemicals and salts passing thru harm the plants? (Soils vary greatly in their ability to filter viruses, bacteria, chemicals and salts. A properly functioning system can do a great job, but how do you know if it is operating as it should?) -Can having the garden itself harm the septic system? (Tilling, digging, and foot traffic can all damage the septic system. Raised garden beds over the system will interfere with the evaporation of moisture. All of these can prevent the drain field from functioning properly, meaning unsuccessfully treating pathogens and discharging unsanitary effluent into the environment and your garden.) Planting edibles over or near the septic drain fields / leach lines – Reduce contamination risks and keep fruits and vegetables away from septic systems – just don’t take the risk. But, if you decide to plant anyway, here are a few precautions to take: -Do not plant root crops over or near drain lines. -Leafy vegetables could be contaminated by rain (or watering) splashing contaminated soil onto the plants, so mulch around them or do not grow them at all. -Above ground crops / tomatoes, peppers, vining plants / grown on support systems have less risk of contamination by soil splashing up on the fruit. -Thoroughly wash and produce from the garden before eating it. -Wear gloves when working in the garden / soil. -Do not construct raised beds over the drain fields. The decision is yours. Consider all possibilities before planting an edible garden over or near a septic system.
[A flashlight is a case for holding dead batteries.]
