flooded garden - Ask Extension
Hi,
With the recent rain, I'm seeing many flooded gardens. I know we should avoid eating produce from flooded areas due to contamination concerns, bu...
Knowledgebase
flooded garden #874102
Asked June 21, 2024, 3:04 PM EDT
Hi,
With the recent rain, I'm seeing many flooded gardens. I know we should avoid eating produce from flooded areas due to contamination concerns, but is that for the entire season or only until the garden dries out? Thanks!
Clay County South Dakota
Expert Response
Each situation can be different, depending on whether the flooded area was "ponded" (water from the immediate area) or "flooded" (water from outside the area). If the latter, it may contain both chemical contaminants and human pathogens. If the former, evaluate whether a septic system may have been compromised, whether any animal feces may be present, etc. See https://extension.sdstate.edu/flooded-gardens for more information.
Thank you! I'm in Vermillion and this is timely information.
Sandi King