Hi Angel, thanks!

Okay, so if you used uncomposted manure (which is surprising, since in my experience it’s usually composted) then yes, you should probably wash those veggies. However, most of the time I think it’s worth it to not worry too much about soil bacteria.

With regards to the pollution it just doesn’t concern me too much. I think traffic pollution is all around us anyways, so really whether or not we grow plants near it we are being exposed to it. I think the benefits of the fresh produce outweigh the risk of the pollution. One alternative would be to do raised beds near the street and remove them in the winter, but that would be a lot of extra work.

I only have two concerns about the first and fourth points:

It is my understanding that pathogenic bacteria (such as E. coli) is quite dangerous and it can be easily avoided by washing the produce. In our case, we did use organic manure (not composted) in our plot so I’m hesitant on this. I guess that it would be safer if you just use composted manure.

My second concern is about growing in the front yard or in the boulevard, and the reason is that it is so close to the traffic pollution. During the winter you can see the snow close to the road and it’s not pretty!

Any thoughts on this?

I don’t read too many books about food, but Michael Pollan’s have been on my reading list for years!

Haha, yes I agree, Katie. Although playing around with the o-chem lab equipment can be fun! And yeah, I think every year I imagine how I could squeeze more into the garden.

Wow, that sounds like an awesome farm program, Laureen! And I agree, it’s a great cause to get your hands dirty for.

I also have been less than impressed with the essential oil pyramids. I even wonder if the essential oils are too pure and lose some of those plant ingredients that are gentle and beneficial. Not that essential oils don’t work, I just prefer the thought of making my own homegrown plant drugs without all the equipment from the Organic Chem Lab 🙂

Thanks for posting this, Jon!