Can I grow produce over a septic drain field? Flowers?

Fri Jul 29, 2011 2:55 am

Now that I have your attention. I am hoping to purchase a 1 acre farm in the next month. We did a Septic inspection and found out that the sewage drain goes down into our front field. The field right now is grass, looks like horses might have been on it. There's no history or anyone I can talk to like former owners since it is Bank Owned.
My plan was to grow produce in the field and have a farm stand since we will be located right on a main street.
Can I grow produce over a septic drain field? Flowers?
Any help would be appreciated.
Gerry in Southern Oregon

Fri Jul 29, 2011 3:50 am

You can grow lots of lovely flowers, but not vegetables. Human waste can have all sorts of things in it, you would NOT, want to have in vegetables, that are to be sold to the public. I'm sure all the locals know it's there, and if the general public found out, you wouldn't be selling anything very long at all.

Plus if someone actually got sick from it, could be a potential lawsuit.

Everybody is sue happy these days. Grow your flowers, away from the septic runs, and you should be able to sell lots of them. Good Luck.

............I'm sure others will have more to say on it, but I certainly wouldn't do it. JMO.

Fri Jul 29, 2011 3:56 am

Aterosin, I have a septic, and live in the country. The septic tiles as it is called run off underground into a orchard area,with a Variety of fruit trees, grapes, berries ect. The septic tank it self catches the human waste. Which the "Honey wagon" said nicely, takes care of that in 3-5 years depending on it's use... It's the water run off that is filtered through the ground from the tiles. The solid waste stays in the tank. The roots don't seem to bother the drainage for there has not been any troubles seen of that. There has not been any usage of harmful chemicals used, for that too was a concern.

If you are located on the main traffic access you may want to check into your town ordance to see if it is allowed to sell your products. I'm sure you would not want to go through the time and effort and have some one put a stop to it afterwards. Best of gardening plans to you and wish you success with them.

Fri Jul 29, 2011 2:03 pm

Drain fields are 3 feet deep or more depending upon where you are. You should not have any problems. Most plant roots do not go that far down, the issue would be the roots clogging your drain field.

Fri Jul 29, 2011 2:45 pm

The question has been asked here before. Check out:

http://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/v ... 127#201127

http://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/v ... 4141#94141

Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:00 pm

thanks for all the input and I will check out the past threads you mentioned. Lots to think about.

Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:14 pm

Also if you click the button called Profile at the lower left of any of your posts, it takes you to a page of Profile info including your join date, total number of posts, daily average of posts and other profile info. In there is a link that says view all posts by .... (your screen name)

Click on that and you will see a listing of all your posts with a three line preview of each. You can scroll down to scan all of them or you can click on any to see the whole post/ thread.

(Sorry this accidentally got attached to the wrong thread, will re-post in the right place.)

Fri Jul 29, 2011 6:38 pm

rainbowgardener wrote:Also if you click the button called Profile at the lower left of any of your posts, it takes you to a page of Profile info including your join date, total number of posts, daily average of posts and other profile info. In there is a link that says view all posts by .... (your screen name)

Click on that and you will see a listing of all your posts with a three line preview of each. You can scroll down to scan all of them or you can click on any to see the whole post/ thread.

(Sorry this accidentally got attached to the wrong thread, will re-post in the right place.)

I found the thread where you had intended for this to be posted (and it was posted there

). Would you like me to remove it from here, as well as this, my request?

Cynthia

Fri Jul 29, 2011 11:27 pm

yes please, remove from here... thanks, RBG