skip to main content

Rocky Mountain Gardening

test soil for weed killer

12 years ago

As you know,I just bought this house and yard. It has been vacant for one or two years. No grass and front lawn is hard as a rock. I have been soaking it well for a week now, but it seems to me that the weeds don't grow like they should. I wonder if some one used weed killer on it. (HUD) I just planted a pot of the soil with 2 kinds of beans and some radish seeds. I heard that beans were a sure test. I may want to use some of this soil in a planter box, so I need to be sure. Any suggestions?

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

digit
12 years ago
I think you are on the right track, Kenny.

WSU had problems with herbicide contaminated compost about 6 or 7 years ago. They issued information on how to test compost for herbicides. I really think, it is the same thing they were doing in the lab - pea seedlings.

The information on doing your own tests is linked below.

Steve

Here is a link that might be useful: Clopyralid Herbicide and Compost, WSU
Related Professionals
Rossville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Aurora Landscape Contractors · Americus Landscape Contractors · Bainbridge Island Landscape Contractors · Columbine Landscape Contractors · Edwardsville Landscape Contractors · Fuquay-Varina Landscape Contractors · Hannibal Landscape Contractors · Madera Landscape Contractors · Mount Sinai Landscape Contractors · Rio Linda Landscape Contractors · South Portland Landscape Contractors · Vacaville Landscape Contractors · Pike Creek Valley Gardeners & Lawn Care · Muscoy Solar Energy Systems

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES The Poop Scoop: Enrich Your Soil With Good Old Manure

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Get over the ick factor already — this natural super-ingredient for soil has so many benefits, you'll wonder why you ever went chemical

GARDENING GUIDES 5 Ways to Naturally Win the Weed War

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Show irksome weeds no mercy with these tricks for combating them sans chemicals

GARDENING GUIDES Weed War: When and How to Use Chemical Herbicides

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Before you spray, arm yourself with knowledge about which weed killers — natural or synthetic — are right for your yard

EDIBLE GARDENS Natural Ways to Get Rid of Weeds in Your Garden

By Abundant City

Use these techniques to help prevent the spread of weeds and to learn about your soil

GARDENING GUIDES Get the Dirt on Your Garden’s Soil

By Falon Mihalic

Understand how your soil supports your plants so you can ensure your garden’s success

GARDENING GUIDES How to Stop Worrying and Start Loving Clay Soil

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Clay has many more benefits than you might imagine

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Solutions for Soggy Soil

By Steve Asbell

If a too-wet garden is raining on your parade, try these water-loving plants and other ideas for handling all of that H2O

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 6 Great Ways With Garden Ground Covers

By Matt Kilburn

Use them as problem solvers, weed killers, color and texture providers ... ground cover plants have both practical and visual appeal

GROUND COVERS Ground Force: 10 Top Ground Covers for Your Garden

By Carol Bucknell Garden Design

Protect your soil from weeds and drought this summer with a living mulch of ground covers

GARDENING GUIDES The Simple Secret to Gardening Success

By Falon Mihalic

Learn the kinds of soil and a DIY type test to make sure you’re putting the right plant in the right place

Sponsored

More Discussions

Spring swap 2024

11

2024 Spring Plant Swap Offering

0

Free Asian Pear Trees

4

Temp outdoor greenhouse in CO zone 6- are Dahlias safe in there now?

0

Where to trade and/or sell my plants in CO (revamping garden)

3