SAFE
HOME GARDENING
Home gardens are a great way to produce your own
homegrown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Many
families work in their gardens together, creating a fun
learning experience as well as encouraging healthy
eating. Figuring out where to put the garden, what to
plant, and how to keep animals away take up a lot of
time when planning gardens. However, food safety
should also be a priority. Ensuring your food is grown
safely begins even before you plant your seeds.
FOOD SAFETY PRACTICES FOR YOUR GARDEN
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Good food safety practices decrease the risk of contaminating food and reduce the risk of getting sick.
Plants bearing fruits, vegetables, and herbs can become contaminated at any time – from before planting
to while you’re preparing your meal.
food safety practices decrease the risk of contaminating food and reduce the risk of getting sick.
Treat your garden as you would treat your kitchen. Everything that enters your garden should be clean -including shoes and tools.
Harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites naturally occur in the environment and can become incorporated
in your garden. Whether you use conventional or organic gardening methods, these harmful organisms
can pose a threat.
Keep domestic and wild animals out of the garden. Not only do animals pose a risk of eating your produce,
but they can also pass harmful bacteria onto food products. If you see excrement on your plants, do not
eat the produce, but put it in your compost pile. No one wants to eat poop or pee!
Food safety begins before you even plant your seeds. When preparing your garden, use soil that is free of
untreated animal manure and potable water. Animal manure must reach a temperature of 130oF to kill
harmful bacteria. If you are growing any produce that will directly touch the soil, it might be best to use
composted manure. Compost thermometers are available at your local garden store.
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Water is a potential source of harmful bacteria, so be sure to use potable water in your garden and in the
kitchen. If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t water you fruits and vegetables with it.
Always wash your hands before and after working in the garden, and be sure to use clean and sanitary tools
and gloves. Gardening gloves, shoes, and garden tools should be kept separate from any equipment used
indoors.
To wash your hands: Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Rub your hands together
to make a lather. Make sure to wash the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Rinse your hands well under running water. Dry your hands using a clean one-use towel.
Give bruised and damaged produce to the birds. Bruises and cuts allow pathogens to get inside the fruit,
vegetable, or leaf. The same is true for leafy greens and herbs nibbled by bugs or worms. Remember, the
inside of produce is high in water and nutrients, which bacteria love.
Keep harmful chemicals out of your yard. Follow the directions listed on labels of chemicals, manures, and
pesticides to ensure food products do not receive unnecessary exposure to harmful chemicals and
bacteria.
Encourage children to use good food safety practices when helping in the garden. Washing your hands,
avoiding cross-contamination, and cleaning frequently are all good food safety practices to follow.
Encourage children to not touch contaminated materials and pets prior to touching produce in the garden.
Even if you are going to cook your produce, treat it as if you are going to eat it raw. Wash your hands prior
to touching produce and avoid bruising, cutting, or damaging the produce. Once in the kitchen, use clean
water and clean utensils to prepare your produce.
Make sure you handle all produce safely!
Sources:
1. “Index of /gardennotes,” http://cmg.colostate.edu/gardennotes/.
2. “Food Safety Tips for Your Edible Home Garden,” UC Davis.
3. “foodsafety.wsu.edu,” http://foodsafety.wsu.edu/consumers/factsheet15.htm.
4. “Gardening | Food Safety and Health · We share the relevant.,” http://www.foodsafety.wisc.edu/gardening.html.
5. “Safe Use of Pesticides Around the Home,” Pennsylvania State University.
6. “CDC Features - Wash Your Hands”, n.d., http://www.cdc.gov/features/handwashing/.