EPA’s GardenSafe helps you dig a little deeper into backyard soil. GardenSafe is a free, soil screening program that turns you into a soil sleuth, equipping you with the knowledge and resources to manage the use of your backyard soil.
To access your free soil screening all you need to do is register online and drop off three garden soil samples to the GardenSafe drop off point at Sydenham Library between the 15th of July and the 28th of July. EPA will assess the samples for common contaminants and garden soil quality indicators. This includes 8 trace elements such as:
- Lead, a legacy contaminant that can be common near industrial or built-up areas
- Arsenic, which may be found in areas near mine tailings
They’ll also look at soil quality indicators such as:
- Soil composition
- Organic carbon
- Soil nutrients phosphorus and potassium
They’ll then send a report detailing your soil screening results and how to interpret them.
EPA also have suggestions for what you can do to garden safely, as well as handy information about how to understand your report.
As a science-based regulator, this data will help EPA better understand baseline contaminant levels in backyards across Victoria, especially in urban areas.
It will also help to inform the approach to environmental public health – to raise awareness about reducing risk and exposure to potential contaminants.
As we head towards spring, it’s the perfect time to join more than 2000 Victorians and become a soil scientist. You can find out more about the program and register at www.epa.vic.gov.au/gardensafe
If you cannot drop-off your soil sample at Sydenham Library between 15 July and 28 July, you can also choose to post your soil samples on any date. Please note that postage charges apply.
