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Back in April I shared with you how Michelle Obama started an organic garden at the White House (The War on Homegrown Tarragon).

I also pointed out the contradictive-ness of the whole venture – the Department of Agriculture’s close ties to the world’s largest pesticide company, Monsanto, and the current administration’s battle to “outlaw” organic farming.

Still, I applauded the effort and the example.

Sadly, as you may have heard, soil tests by the National Park Services revealed levels of lead reaching 93 parts per million (according to DailyFinance.com). The source of the heavy metals appears to have come from the Clinton’s gardening team which used sewer sludge as fertilizer — EIGHT years prior!

There’s a certain irony to the whole affair. How do the “powers at be” expect to escape the toxic effects of their actions?

The lesson, however, for us, is to make sure you have your own soil tested before starting a garden. You may be surprised by what types of heavy metals are lurking in your backyard.

If your property tests positive – don’t be dismayed and turn in your green thumb. Just work with raised beds and purchase soil and organic fertilizer from a safe source. Unless you’re trying to grow corn or wheat the soil really doesn’t need to be all that deep. Many people grow a large number of vegetables in pots on their balconies. I grow basil, tomatoes, and sage, myself.

Of course, for most people living in the Northern Hemisphere harvest time is on its way. Nonetheless, get your soil tested now. You can setup the raised beds before the snow comes and they’ll be all ready for you next spring.

One Last Tip: When you harvest, wear a mask or a kerchief over your nose and mouth – especially if you have whitefly. It also helps you avoid mould that may be on the soil from plant debris. Gardens in the east are very wet from frequent rain.

Aloha,

P.S. For more information on starting your own organic garden visit 1stoporganicgardening.com.

P.P.S. To read my original article about the White House garden click here.

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