John McMahan raises hogs, chickens and organic vegetables on his family’s northern Bartholomew County farm. Recent heavy rains and strong winds reduced his fields to muddy bogs and damaged his sweet corn and tomatoes.
But he’s one of the lucky ones, a farmer whose land was unaffected by recent record-breaking flooding people in other parts of Indiana are contending with.
Experts say overseers of flooded gardens or fields need to know possible risks posed by contaminated water and take action.
Here are tips on what food growers should consider when harvesting crops that have been under floodwaters, based on resources shared by Indiana University.
Can you eat garden produce that’s been flooded?
You shouldn’t. “Throw away any produce that came into direct contact with floodwaters, including underground root crops, leafy greens, and hard-skinned produce like squash and melons,” the IU fact sheet says.
Can you just wash it?
Not recommended. Washing and sanitizing produce won’t “reliably remove attached or internalized biological and chemical contaminants.
Why is floodwater dangerous?
Floodwaters may contain contaminants such as heavy metals, petroleum products, pesticides, raw sewage, E. coli, Salmonella and viruses that can leach into vegetables.
Can you replant crops in soil that was flooded?
Yes, but experts recommend a waiting period of at least 30 to 60 days after floodwaters recede before replanting food crops. Garden soil samples can be tested for contaminants.
What about crops near a flooded area?
Experts say crops near flooded areas should “undergo a careful safety evaluation” before harvesting. “Assess crops where floodwater did not touch edible portions based on splash height, plant maturity, and distance from the soil, discarding any item where safety remains uncertain,” the fact sheet says.
Is it safe to preserve food from a contaminated garden?
No. “Do not attempt to wash, peel, cook, can, or dehydrate flood-contacted produce, as processing cannot guarantee the removal of internalized pathogens or chemical pollutants.”
Can I put uprooted garden plants in my compost heap?
Not a good idea. “Keep contaminated plants out of compost piles to prevent spreading pathogens or chemical residues throughout future garden soils.”
How do I protect myself while cleaning up a flooded garden?
Experts suggest wearing protective gear such as rubber boots, gloves, closed-toe shoes and an N-95 respirator when handling flooded garden soil. Shovels and other garden tools should be cleaned and sanitized after use.
FPI News, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations. Sign up for our free newsletter.
FPI News reporter Laura Lane covers the people and issues of rural Indiana. Reach her at 812-760-1540 or laura.lane@fpinews.org.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
