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Raised gardens #870467

Asked May 28, 2024, 3:54 PM EDT

I am putting in a raised garden that will sit on the ground. I'm doing so because I have contaminated soil below and wish to put in fresh black dirt above ground. What do you recommend I put on bottom of garden (12 inches down) to serve as barrier between soil and the raised portion of the garden? I'd like to separate the two so there i no mixer of soil but still allow for drainage. Thoughts? Weed barrier would allow for water to pass through but will it deteriorate and contaminate the soil? Maybe a tarp with holes?

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

According to authorities at Cornell University, "A layer of landscape fabric will prevent plant roots from entering the contaminated soil below the bed."

There's more useful information in the Cornell publication:

https://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/Soil_Contaminants.pdf
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 28, 2024, 9:49 PM EDT

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