Home gardens are wonderful because they provide a great source of fruits and vegetables for your family! But where should you place your garden when you have a septic tank? For the best possible outcome with your plants, learn how to organize your yard for both a septic system and a garden.
Can Your Garden Be Near a Septic Tank?
The purpose of having a garden is to grow your own food in the healthiest way possible. If your home uses a septic tank for waste management and you have a garden, it’s best to keep these two separate. When you plant vegetables near or on top of a septic tank, the drain field could contaminate the soil near and around the garden and release pathogens that the plants will absorb.
Locate Your Septic Tank & Drain Field
Before you install or plant a garden in your yard, you must locate your septic tank. The placement of your septic tank matters because it needs to be close to your home and the road for easy disposal—plus, it should be on level ground. It will usually be 10 to 15 feet downhill and away from your house, but if you cannot find it, consider looking into the plot plan at the local building department in your town.
Measure a 10-Foot Perimeter Around the Tank and Drain Field
To stay safe when you have a septic tank and are placing a garden in your yard, measure 10 feet around the tank’s perimeter and the drain field. The garden should not lie inside the perimeter, or you risk contaminating your homegrown food. Keep a minimum distance of 10 feet, or consider planting your fruits and vegetables on the completely opposite side of your house to play it safe.
What Are Great Starter Plants for Gardens?
As a beginner in gardening, it’s always best to stick with easy-to-grow plants until you gain experience. Plants such as summer squashes, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, and radishes are among the easiest for beginners. Remember to keep these plants away from the harmful bacteria in your septic tank!
It is possible to have both a septic tank and a garden in your yard, but they must be kept separate to reduce the risk of contamination. You should establish the septic tank placement before planting the garden. If your home is newer, strategically place the tank for easy disposal access and in a way that benefits a large or small garden. Always remember to keep at least a 10-foot parameter between the tank and your edible plants to avoid cross-contamination.