planting over septic/leach field

[AvocadoFlyer]

I would like to put a raised bed garden in my yard and some of it may be on top of my septic system (I think).  Questions I have are these:
1. Is this possible (vegetables/lettuce/etc in a raised bed)? 
2. How far away from homes is the leachfield generally located in SB county? 
3. Where can I find this information? 

I own my home but for the life of me cannot find this information.  Any suggestions?  I am trying to look this stuff up on line but where I am located currently my internet is literally slower than dial up and half the sites are blocked. 

Thanks!

[SoCalGal]

[tcaarabians]

Firefly... Well, first .. you do want to figure out where your septic is ..because you will need it pumped at some point . The leach field for it will extend out from the tank. When you have it pumped.. the pumping company can likely tell you where the leach lines run. And, no.. you do not want to plant on top of it. Why, because just when all your little plants are growing nicely.. you might need the septic pumped. And, then you have to dig it all up.

My septic is right off the house in the driveway.

If you have no idea where your septic is. You can obtain the original plans for your place that will display that. You really do need to know where it is.

But, I love the idea of your raised garden. cheryl o7o

[Nolena]

Shallow roots. Think "shallow roots" over septic.

[sharyn]

You can plant grass over the septic tank but I'd hate to have to rip up a nice garden to get it pumped out.  Leach fields are not replaced very often so that should be ok.  Just don't plant trees over it.
Try looking through your original purchase papers & see if there is anything with the location.  It had to be inspected before escrow closed.

[SkierBob]

It had to be inspected before escrow closed.

That's not entirely true. 

  but,

Try playing around with a dowsing rod, I have two septic tanks and found both of them using a Dowsing rod made out of welding wire like the one pictured below.   

[tcaarabians]

I actually have the description for creating a dowsing rod.. technically it was a 'grave finder' but basically the same principle. Can send.. just pm me.

I would not plant anything over a septic tank or the leach lines. In fact, I have cottonwoods not all that far off my leach lines and I wish they were not there. The roots of cottonwoods are totally invasive.

And, SkierBob is right.. there are circumstances were a septic does not need to be inspected prior to an escrow closing. cheryl o7o

[AvocadoFlyer]

The septic was inspected when I bought the house 3 years ago.  They told me where the pump cover was but I promptly forgot.  ARGH!  I would be planting raised beds over the thank but NOT the cover thus leaving easy access (I hope).  I was told never to plant over a leachfield as the roots may suck up some effluent/waste water.  EWW. 

So it sounds like planting a raised veggie garden over a septic tank is doable!  woohoo!!!  All i need to do is find the tank opening and work around it and make sure I know exactly where my leach field is and not plant over it.  Thanks guys!!! 

Next question(s):  What are some good veggies to plant here?  lettuce?  beans? When is a good time to plant?  Do i need a drip system?  So many questions!!!  

Love this forum!!! 

[baseballfan]

just a tip...when you do have someone come and pump your septic, have them draw a little diagram of where it is exactly for future reference.  I didn't know where mine was...just a general vicinity...so they drew a map right on the receipt.  The 2nd time I had it pumped I used a different company and I  showed them the diagram.  It was a snap for them to find. 

[tcaarabians]

Totally right baseballfan... and what I did was draw the map using the coordinates of my house as a reference. So, I know exactly where it is and where to dig.
cheryl o7o

[AvocadoFlyer]

excellent advice all!! Thanks!  Now I can't wait to come home and get this small project rolling! Hoping to plant beans, corn, tomatos, peppers, garlic, onion, lettuce...Mmmmm

[TimG]

Has anyone had any trouble with poplar roots in their yard?   I started pulling up roots near my septic tank yesterday, and realized these things were everywhere -- not just the several little shoots that popped up, but roots crisscrossing the yard.  My neighbor has two poplars on his property, one of them maybe 20 feet from my tank.  When I looked up about it online it recommend not planting poplars within 100 feet (!) of a septic tank, because their roots are so aggressive.  There are probably six septic tanks within 100 feet of these.

Has anyone used Root Killer?
http://www.amazon.com/Roebic-FRK-6-Foaming-Killer-1-Pound/dp/B000BQM5DS

Would I be safe just flushing some of that down the toilet twice a year?  Any advice?  Or am I worrying too much?  I've never had a septic tank before.  Ours was pumped and certified less than two years ago.

Tim

[SkierBob]

20ft from your tank.. I'd say you have reason to be concerned. 

I've seen roots that grow into the side of the lid with just an 1/8 inch root and once inside the tank it turned into a root 6 inches around.  It was a nasty job pulling it out.  I have since cut down every tree on my property in hopes to never repeat the experience. 

[tcaarabians]

So agree with SkierBob here.. Poplars/cottonwoods/ficus.. the list goes on for the little trees that have invasive roots.  You don't want them anywhere near your septic or your main water lines.  I'm going to be tearing out a few cottonwoods this year. Much as I love listening to the wind rustling their leaves.  Tho, I'm never going to cut down every tree on my property. I suggest you call a septic company regarding "Root Killer." And, let us know what you find out.

I have a 'gray water' line from my washer that waters one of the side gardens. I have to constantly have the roots that love to grow into it pulled out.

Sheesh SkierBob: I hope you have a few umbrellas for shade.  cheryl o7o

[SpeedRacer]

Found this to be very informative. I included an excerpt below.
http://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/ho/2007/fs0732.pdf

"The leach field is the most expensive part of the system, and you will want to protect it from damage. It is desirable to plant over the leach field to stabilize the soils and landscape the area. Plants help remove nutrients and moisture from the soil, and also retard erosion. Careful planning can provide an attractive area without damaging the leach field."

[tcaarabians]

Speedracer .. this was very informative. So, you can plant over a leach field and it is advisable.. but not invasive root plants/trees.. and  not vegetables because they'll leach the smutch up into the plants.  My leach field is in my driveway.. I will not be planting on it. Now, I'm just concerned about the various vehicles that have driven over it and how that may impact it. (pun intended).  But, must say I remain a bit unclear as to what to do.

Firefly..  do read this piece that Speedracer posted before you plant vegies over your leach field. cheryl o7o

[AvocadoFlyer]

I read it.  I don't intend to plant over my leach field (once I locate it).  I intend to plant a raised garden over my septic tank (again, once I locate my septics opening - I will not plant over that).  The article was very informative...thanks!!!  Everyday I learn just a little bit more...

[Nanette]

The VV Daily Press has a great article by The Mojave Gardener, Miki Brown, on the front page of Section D today, titled "Don't Make Poor Planting A Root of Septic System Woes." good information and ideas on plants and trees without invasive root systems. I enjoy reading her features every Thursday.

[Wrightwood]

[Nanette]

Thanks for putting the article in, Wrightwood!