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Location

Message

Date Posted

South Hero, VT

Vermont isn't the only state with contaminated compost. Read why.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/herbicide-damage-zmgz13fmzsto.aspx?newsletter=1&utm_content=01.25.13+FG&utm_campaign=2013+FG&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email

1/27/2013 1:55:35 PM

Omaha, Ne.

Has any growers on this sight had first hand experience. With this problem? I was just wondering how wide spread this is.

1/27/2013 3:35:38 PM

wisconsin comes to mind a few years ago with some compost issues maybe they will chime in

and shannon i know has said this before, grow a few radish seeds in a sample for a test
every time i visit compost place here local they are showing me plants of all varietys there growing in pure compost and take a shovel off my truck load and fill plant pots. maybe over kill but i leave there with less worry

1/27/2013 3:50:27 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Yep....Don is right throw a few radish seeds in it give it a couple days...if it has broadleaf herbicide they will not grow..

1/27/2013 10:45:54 PM

South Hero, VT

Thanks for the litmus test, Don and Shannon.

I didn't want to sound like chicken little, but I want to make people aware contaminated compost is a real danger, and that a local organic farmer is usually best.

1/28/2013 8:11:00 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Good to know, thanks

1/28/2013 8:12:58 AM

Vermont

Steve, where do you source your compost in our area?

1/28/2013 8:27:50 AM

South Hero, VT

Brent, I am NOT using Green Mountain Compost!!! There are trustworthy sources in the Jericho area(contact John Young), and I have to check out a source near me in Grand Isle, VT, using the "Shannon test" before I buy any.

I'll do some checking today and post results later for local sources.

1/28/2013 9:15:27 AM

South Hero, VT

Brent, here's a link to sources near us in Milton/Grand Isle County. Not complete, but a good start.

Planting is only 3 months away. :-)

1/28/2013 9:33:15 AM

Vermont

Hey Steve, I hear that regarding GMC. I filled a raised bed w their stuff last year w/o great results (now we know why).

I didn't see the link in ur last post, would you mind re-posting?

I don't know about you, but the warmer weather can't come soon enough up here! Bring on this weeks high 40's!

1/28/2013 12:24:40 PM

South Hero, VT

Brent: My Bad :-(

http://www.compostingvermont.org/pdf/lamoilee_directory.pdf

1/28/2013 1:15:58 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Even your local farmers manure can cause you issues. Some herbicides still stay active after traveling through the digestive system.

1/28/2013 1:48:40 PM

South Hero, VT

Exactly. Steve Jepsen(bless him)warned of herbicide dangers many years ago, and the Vermont compost fiasco is a great example of "better things for better living...through chemistry"(old DuPont slogan) gone horribly wrong.

I'm starting to consider finding ways to rev up production of my own compost on a large scale.

1/28/2013 3:38:36 PM