More and more people want to grow their own food, and they are turning to local garden centers for advice on how to do it safely. Oregon State University Extension recently published this helpful article that has information your customers might find empowering. The advice from extension experts includes:

• Use recommended food preparation techniques with garden produce. Always wash produce in clean water before eating it. Use a vegetable brush to remove visible soil. Peeling may also help reduce risk.
• Keep fruits and vegetables and other raw food separated from cooked food. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after handling raw foods, as well as before preparing food and eating it. Always wash hands after using the toilet and after changing diapers.

One question customers may have is how to amend the soil. Extension experts aren’t real keen on the use of animal manure; compost is preferred. However, manure can be used if the edible parts of the plant are kept out of contact with the soil. One method would be to lay down some straw on top of the soil.

For the complete article, click here.