Safety of planting tomatoes near Septic field?

Dewayne mater · November 14, 2011

Can anyone recommend an article, book, etc. that discusses the parameters of how to safely plant tomatoes near a septic field? The beds in question are about 25 feet down hill from the septic field, and the slope is gentle. The soil is all fill soil, and underneath the fill the ground is very rocky, as in virtually 100%. My thinking is the liquids would likely be draining down through the rocks quickly. However, I know of at least one time historically years ago, during a very rainy season, with heavy use of the septic tank that the field was very wet. That has apparently only happened one time in 6 years, so I think that is aberrant.

I want to make sure to not poison the family with tomatoes with Ecoli or something else. Thanks for any insights you may have.

November 14, 2011	#1
Dewayne mater Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2008 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 1,212	Safety of planting tomatoes near Septic field? Can anyone recommend an article, book, etc. that discusses the parameters of how to safely plant tomatoes near a septic field? The beds in question are about 25 feet down hill from the septic field, and the slope is gentle. The soil is all fill soil, and underneath the fill the ground is very rocky, as in virtually 100%. My thinking is the liquids would likely be draining down through the rocks quickly. However, I know of at least one time historically years ago, during a very rainy season, with heavy use of the septic tank that the field was very wet. That has apparently only happened one time in 6 years, so I think that is aberrant. I want to make sure to not poison the family with tomatoes with Ecoli or something else. Thanks for any insights you may have.