dog pen for garden spot

[Beverly]

Hello! I am interested in developing a vegetable garden that was recently used as a dog pen. It is approximately 25' x 45'. I've been told that this is a bad idea because the dog manure would render the vegetables harmful for consumption. Can anyone tell me if this is factual or is it a myth? I would apprecate your response for I am anxious to start preparing the area for a fall garden. Thanks a bunch!

[ZIPPER]

Bev,
First, welcome to the board, laughts and info within.

I don't feel you have a problem in the pen area other than it's proably packed down pretty good. Cow chips and other chips go into the compost piles, so why worry. How long have the dogs been gone?

You'll have to start at ground level, so to speak, and soften things up.
1] de-weed [pull and/or organic]
2] apply something like Medina Plus to start off the activity.
3] apply 1/2" of compost twice before next Spring.
4] add fine mulch to second application to retain moisture.
5] observe what others will post here. You won't be lead off the page.
6] post sign, "work in progress'' :roll:

[horseranch]

I'd be a little concerned about planting in that area too quickly. There's a big difference between manure from herbivores versus omnivores/carnivores. Dog and cat manure carry a lot more harmful pathogens than horse and cow manure. Having said that, there are probably ways to handle it. How long was it used as a dog pen? And how long ago? Organic preparation, like the things Zipper posted, will encourage beneficial bacterial activity that should "detox" the area. My suggestion would be to put down the compost, etc. now and let it do its work over the fall and winter, and then plant a spring garden.

[ZIPPER]

[quote="horseranch"]I'd be a little concerned about planting in that area too quickly. There's a big difference between manure from herbivores versus omnivores/carnivores. Dog and cat manure carry a lot more harmful pathogens than horse and cow manure. [quote]

I tend to agree with you Rancher.

My thoughts on the dog and cat manure is that they would be harmful to other dogs or cats introduced into the area. I'm thinking of parvo for example.

Perhaps there's a Vet on the BB that could shead some light on this subject.

[gordon]

bev, you also might try and detox the soil with NORIT .if you don,t know
what kind of chemicals were used in the pen. then add admendments
and compost. hope it helps.
gordon