| I just moved into a house that used to have an above ground pool in the backyard. There is still sand in the area. I would like to grow various vegetable plants in that area, since that is our best leveled ground. Should I be concerned about the level of chlorine already in the ground? It's been over a year since the pool was used last. Thanks! |
| In my experience, the chlorine has not been a problem, however an accumulation of water softener salts is a potential one (if a salt-based home water softener is used and the water was drained in that spot), as is compaction of the area due to the weight of the water. You might want to run some basic soil tests as one would for any new garden and add amendments as needed based on the results of the tests. Your county extension (378-1327) can help with the tests and interpreting the results. While a small amount of ordinary builder's sand can be worked into the soil with no problem, you should also take care to work in ample amounts of organic matter and to prepare the soil deeply to counter the compaction. |
