Flood contamination - Ask Extension
We had 2 feet water from flooding creeks on garden for about 72 hours. It destroyed most of our plants, but still have horseradish, couple cucumber pl...
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Flood contamination #876849
Asked July 11, 2024, 3:01 PM EDT
We had 2 feet water from flooding creeks on garden for about 72 hours. It destroyed most of our plants, but still have horseradish, couple cucumber plants, raspberry and strawberry plants. What are the chances of contamination and what should be done to garden, even the dirt in getting area ready for next year.?
Jackson County Minnesota
Expert Response
Floodwater can carry various contaminants and parasites. This can pose a risk to your remaining plants and to the soil. It's best to toss any plants that came into direct contact with the floodwater, including underground plants. Test your soil next year to make sure it contains no contaminants. The U of Mn soil test lab - https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/ - can do this for you. Consider raised beds, moving the garden or digging drainage furrows in the future. The U of Wisconsin believes that some produce can be salvaged in certain conditions, but keep in mind that your flooding lasted 3 days and contained water that may be polluted. Here is the U of Wi link - https://ccetompkins.org/resources/safely-using-produce-from-flooded-gardens