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  • Contamination from spray drift

    Created by aprae on May 8, 2012 at 3:29 am

    Hello!
    I have an organic herb garden that is situated in a rural town. I am worried about chemical contamination from anything that the neighboring farmer sprays onto his cornfield. His crop is about 100 – 200 yards from my garden. Should I be worried about drift?
    Please help.

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  • May 8, 2012 at 3:29 am #14039

    Karl
    Member

    build raised beds? I wouldn't be concerned with a small herb garden.

    June 26, 2016 at 3:13 pm #202655

    Eric Vinje
    Keymaster

    Hello –

    Yes, it is OK to be concerned about pesticide spray drift from your neighbors. Just do a quick Google search and you’ll see that the web is filled up with these complaints. It’s noted that the EPA — the company in charge of protecting you from pesticide poisoning — gets thousands of calls per year from poisonous sprays drifting off target. How well do you know your neighbor? Can you talk to him about your concerns and ask that he take special care when applying pesticides? Does he apply them by aircraft? Pesticide applicators must follow certain practices, and you are protected. If you suspect chemical drift, call your state department of agriculture and have them run some tests. If your neighbor is negligent, he could be subject to fines by the state.

    Good luck!

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