The Johnson County Extension Service has given some good advice about eating fruits and vegetables that have been exposed to the recent flood waters.
It only makes sense not to eat something that has been covered with sewage-contaminated water. But even out here - in the middle of nowhere - we need to be aware of this danger. The manure and chemical fertilizers and herbicides that were applied to the newly-planted fields right before the rains were washed into the creeks and rivers and thence over our yards and gardens.
Common sense here, folks. If you have any doubt about the safety of eating your food, then discard it. "When in doubt - throw it out!" That's been the canning mantra for years and it applies to your growing fruits and vegetables this season. It sucks, I know.
Thanks to Genie of The Inadvertent Gardener for bringing this to my attention. You can take the girl out of Iowa, but you can't take Iowa out of the girl.
8 comments:
What have you been eating?
I get upset whenever I have to throw food out. But I guess, better safe than sorry.
Not to worry Mari. We live in the middle of town and the waters never reached us. I just thought I do this as a PSA post. Just in case - you know?
That would double frost you wouldn't it!
Hmm, never thought of that. That would be pretty devastating if your entire garden or field full of crops was covered in sewage water from the floods... Wow.
Tanna - Yea. It really would.
Moe - I know! I never thought about it either. I'm glad Genie turned me on to this bit of information.
I agree with all your sentiments, Sally. That's why I won't use pesticides in my garden. Love your new header, by the way :)
Very good advice, I had never thought of that being an issue with all the floods around! Thankfully, I live high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi and have a raised bed veggie garden to boot...I should be good!
Amen about the "Iowa girl"...(Sioux City-born, here ;-) )
What a horrifying thought!
Now, if only we could have some of your water. *sigh*
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