Healthy urban gardening [2015]

Georgia Department of Public Health
HEALTHY URBAN GARDENING
This fact sheet provides basic advice for gardening and farming in urban areas where there may be concerns about environmental contamination.
Growing food in urban environments provides many economic, environmental social, and health benefits. It promotes food security, brings communities together and makes good use of unused or abandoned land. The act of gardening promotes physical activity and provides fresh and nutritious foods. However, because of the nature of urban and industrial activities in cities, environmental contaminants are sometimes found in urban soil.

2 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Ga 30303 | health.state.ga.us

June 2015

Most garden fruits and vegetables do not easily absorb chemicals. It depends on soil type and pH, types of and concentrations of chemicals, organic matter in the soil, levels of
nutrients like calcium, plant type, and plant growth stage. Some produce such as tubers and root vegetables are more likely to absorb chemicals into the edible portions, but most plants do not absorb chemicals into the fruits or leaves. Careful planning and specific actions can
reduce the exposure to and uptake of many chemicals by plants.

Treated wood and railroad ties: Treated wood and railroad ties are not a good choice to place near food crops because they contain chemicals that make them resistant to rot. Over time, these chemicals can leach into the soil. Consider removing this type of wood if it is already in place. If that is not practical, plant crops at least a foot away from the edge of the wood. As an alternative, you can use a plastic liner to create a barrier between the wood and the garden soil. Rain barrel water: If using rain water collected from your roof, consider what your roofing materials are made of. Many standard roofing shingles are made of asphalt and now contain flame retardants and mildew resistant chemicals, in addition to petroleum products. This may be OK for your flower garden, but not for your food crops.

HEALTHY URBAN GARDENING

English Avenue Community Farm near downtown Atlanta (www.wikipedia.org).
HOW TO START A COMMUNITY GARDEN
1. Form a garden planning committee 2. Identify resources (funds, people,
equipment) 3. Approach potential sponsors 4. Choose a site 5. Prepare and develop the site
Research property history Analyze soil samples Determine site clean-up and garden
design Plan the garden design for children,
other sensitive groups, and those with special needs 6. Decide on membership, identify management, roles, and responsibilities 7. Prepare volunteer crews and gather needed materials and equipment 8. Write garden rules and bylaws 9. Determine insurance needs 10. Establish communication network for members
Jmp:12/23/15

GEORGIA RESOURCES

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UGA Cooperative Extension University of Georgia
www.extension.uga.edu (800) ASK-UGA1
UGA Agriculture Testing Laboratory http://aesl.ces.uga.edu (706) 542-5350
USDA Alternative Farming Systems Information Center http://afsic.nal.usda.gov (301) 504-6559
EPA Urban Agriculture Program www.epa.gov/brownfields/urbanag
GEPD Brownfields Program www.gaepd.org/brownfields
(404) 656-2833
American Community Garden Association www.communitygarden.org
email info@communitygarden.org (877) ASK-ACGA
Community Food Security Coalition www.foodsecurity.org (310) 822-5410
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/brownfields (800) 232-4636

Chemical Hazards Program Environmental Health Section
Phone (404) 657-6534 Fax (404) 657-6533
Email jane.perry@dph.ga.gov Visit us at www.dph.ga.gov
We Protect Lives.