Is there danger in your dirt?

    Listen

    July 2, 2011 — An unseen danger of urban growing is the risk of lead contamination in your dirt. Mike McGrath discusses what to do when Superman can’t see through your soil. Plus your fabulous phone calls!

    [audio: garden20110702.mp3]

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    Question of the Week

    I’ve tested my soil and learned the lead content is high, almost 700 mg/kg. I’m wondering what you think of this plan for a small (two by six foot) raised bed: I’ve removed the top eight to nine inches of soil and am considering lining it with denim (available at our local fabric outlet), then covering the denim with pieces of broken sidewalk concrete (to help water drain); then adding six or so inches of compost and a peat moss/vermiculite mix. But perhaps the fabric and rocks aren’t needed? Would just adding new soil be enough? Get the answer »

    Photo by Flickr user Chiot’s Run

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