coal ash dumped on garden

[jen88]

Hi. I have recently moved house and in the process of making a veg patch. My landlord has asked me to remove a layer of the soil because he doesn't know where people have dumped their coal ash in the past. I have probably removed about 6" deep and was wondering if this would be enough to safely grow veg after adding new topsoil. Tia x

[rustylady]

So have you found any ash?

[jen88]

No doesn’t appear to be any but the area does appear to have been used as a bit of a dump over the years, alot of broken glass etc.

[rustylady]

I think your landlord has a cheek asking you to clear the soil. What have you done with it?

[jen88]

He will take it to a pit (we live on farmland) I didn't mind clearing it but I would like to get on and get the job done. Tbh if it was just me (hopefully) eating it I would just risk it but, having a little one, I feel I need to be a bit more careful. My dad, a keen veg grower, doesn't feel it would be a problem and i'm inclined to agree but I am aware of ongoing studies into the health risks of coal ash being used in farming in the usa. So was wondering what others think on it as I'm in 2 minds with no experience in gardening (relying alot on my dad's experience lol)

[rustylady]

I agree with your Dad Jen.

Just obviously sort the broken glass and other rubbish, but the soil should be OK to use if it's only ash that your landlord is concerned about.

I'm wondering exactly what he is worried about, and why he suddenly wants that soil removed.

Welcome to the Vine by the way. If you add your location (nearest town) to your profile it will show on your posts. Location helps when giving advice as climate varies so much, even within the UK.

[Mikey]

In my last home, I knocked down an old coal shed which had been used for 30 years as a dump for ash from the fire, it made an excellent addition to the veggie plot I had. My potatoes have never been as good as they were in that house.

Your landlord might want it for two reasons, either its very good soil or it has been contaminated with something. I think I'd be asking a few question of it, and maybe doing a soil test.

[jen88]

Thanks for your help just going to go for it I think. I think he is trying to be helpful as he is interested in growing and had read some articles about the effects of coal ash. soil is good here apparently but he owns an awful lot so doubt he's too worried about a small patch. I will update my location asap.

[rustylady]

So your landlord's not a farmer then? Some people tend to read articles on the internet rather than doing practical growing. I think you'd need an awful lot of coal ash to make the ground bad.

I remember my Grandad putting the soot from the chimney sweepings onto the garden and the allotment. He and my Nan both lived to ripe old ages (Nan was 96 when she died).

[Thelma Sanders]

The soil in my garden is very dark from all the ash and soot added over the years but it has improved the natural clay no end

So I agree - just go for it - or should that be just grow it LOL

[Tripmeup]

Welcome..

Sounds like he is (hopefully) genuinely concerned, albeit as RL says, possibly a bit misinformed or being overly cautious....Probably best to either reassure or appease him if it's not overly significant to you, as sounds like you are keen to kick on..

[jen88]

Yes he is but grows veg in his own garden too I think. The articles we about agriculture in usa, I had a quick browse but nothing conclusive. I think we are generally very cautious these days and alot of the time it's unnecessary. My dad went and had a look and said there is a few clinkers in there but not alot, he also found them in a mole hill in the lawn so it's likely the whole garden was beds of some sort.

[jen88]

Welcome..

Sounds like he is (hopefully) genuinely concerned, albeit as RL says, possibly a bit misinformed or being overly cautious....Probably best to either reassure or appease him if it's not overly significant to you, as sounds like you are keen to kick on..

Yes I'm sure he is genuine and being helpful as he has offered me all sorts of bits to get me on my way. Aswell as tips about the ground and warnings about the huge amound of wind we get here lol

[rustylady]

Well, I would put the soil back where it came from and get gardening. Would be a huge expense getting in new topsoil and no guarantee that it would be any better than what you have already.

[ancee]

Hmmm.... I put all the old barbecue ash on our compost heap. Always thought this was ok. Coal is old trees though so in the circle of life wouldn't it be ok???!!!