Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Veggie Patch & Dog Poop!

saralouisebearsaralouisebear Posts: 1
in Problem solving
Good morning everyone I hope your days as sunny as it is here in Norfolk!

I’d really like to pick your brains about my veggie patch…

Due to some recent issues with building work on my home some fences needed to be removed.  The only possible place to safely let my (four) best friends outside was into my beloved veggie patch.  As well as digging a few exciting holes they’ve also been using in as a deluxe toileting area 🤦‍♀️. All poops get picked up and disposed of safely but not always immediately (sneaky monkeys!).  I digress, this has been on and off for the last six months.  Finally everything is restored & normally reins.  

My question is what should I do / how should I tackle the veggie patch?  Doctor Google has many many answers to this question but I’d appreciate some knowledgeable advice.  Whilst I’d love it to be up and running asap I also don’t want to make myself or the family sick & am happy to leave it be for however long.

From what I’ve read covering the area in black plastic for one year should kill off any bacteria.  Another source recommends cardboard for eighteen months and a third growing Green Manure (time unspecified).  Some guidance from your wealth of knowledge would be vastly appreciated.

Thank you ☺️

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    What kind of veg will you grow? I think it will be fine this year for things where the crop is well above ground like peas, beans, tomatoes and for crops that you'll peel and/or cook. To be honest I'd probably just use the plot as normal but be careful to wash salads etc. I don't think plants can transport bacteria systemically, but hopefully someone who's a better botanist than I am will be along soon.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I agree.  We've had cats for 40 years and dogs for over a decade and never any problems as long as you pick up when you see it and wash hands and veg thoroughly before prepping, cooking and eating.  That includes salad leaves and herbs eaten raw.

    In this garden we have a fenced off veggie patch so the dogs can't get in but we did only put gates across the opening when we adopted some hens 30 months ago.   The cats can still get in and we've had to put netting round each bed to keep the marauding chooks from pecking everything and there are always nets on high hoops over any brassicas to save them from caterpillars.  You could try that if you're worried.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    Instinctively, if we wax lyrical about equine and bovine bodily wastes, should we express 'terror' about canine and feline equivalents?  Admittedly a recent addition around a crop of radishes would need to be efficiently cleaned before use, if at all, but our old friends the worms will usually have done their work in advance.  Don't ignore the value we put on marine filter feeders in that respect?
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I wouldn’t cover with plastic … I’d leave it open for the weather and wildlife to do their jobs. 

    As has been said I’d give any fruit or salad stuff grown there a thorough wash … but you’d fo that anyway. 

    Also if there’s any likelihood that a pregnant woman might be gardening there, she should be aware of the dangers of toxoplasmosis, and take all precautions to avoid infection. 

    Otherwise, enjoy your garden 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





Sign In or Register to comment.