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Salad safety after rats?

JacksnekJacksnek Posts: 2
in Fruit & veg
Our whole street recently had a problem with rats tunnelling through from the drains, & though the problem is now sorted one of the places the little so-and-sos popped out was in the bed where I grow salad. I have some lettuces there that have been nursed through the winter, but now I'm wondering if it will be necessary to chuck them - & if the soil will be contaminated (leptospirosis etc) so that it's not safe to grow salad there this year. Anyone have any solid advice? Thanks

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I would wash all vegetables thoroughly , especially salads,  in a solution of baby bottle sterilising solution (think it was called Milton  when my children were small).  

    Does @punkdoc have a view on that? 

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





  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,355
    Personally (and bearing in mind that most leafy salad crops crop quickly) I would chuck the lettuce and re-sow. You never know where the rats have wee'd and pooed.  Not worth the risk in an uncooked veg IMO.
    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    I've looked after Lepto. patients, so have some knowledge. I believe it can live in the soil for several months, imo. I would not grow veg. there this season.
    I would chuck the Lettuce
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Then I would be guided by @punkdoc 👍 

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





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