EXTENSION NEWS
Floodwaters are unpredictable and potentially dangerous. It’s difficult to know exactly what they contain— sewage, manure, pesticides, fertilizers, and harmful pathogens such as E. coli or Salmonella are all possibilities. If your vegetable garden was submerged during a flood, you’ll need to take extra precautions this growing season to ensure your produce is safe to eat.
Treat Flooded Gardens as Contaminated If floodwaters reached your garden, it should be treated as if it has been contaminated. The exact risks are hard to determine, but following food safety guidelines can reduce the chance of illness.