Clearing chemicals

[susyb]

Help. Just moved house and taken on a lovely garden.unfortunatly the potting shed is overloaded with insecticides, herbicides and numerous other chemical killers. I have absolutely no use for any of them as we've always gardened totally organic and intend to continue this. The recycling centre won't take them. How do I dispose of them safely. Thanks

 

[Meadowlark]

Welcome @susyb! Interesting that your recycling centre won't take them.

Most communities here have a household hazardous waste collection program...your health department would be a good source for info on that.

It will take some time and lots of organic matter to restore those soils, but the effort will be well worth it.

 

[susyb]

Welcome @susyb! Interesting that your recycling centre won't take them.

Most communities here have a household hazardous waste collection program...your health department would be a good source for info on that.

It will take some time and lots of organic matter to restore those soils, but the effort will be well worth it.

Will bring in new soil for the veg garden but the flower garden will get lots of organic munches as it is so well established. Hopefully as chemicals won't be used again it will eventually get lots of insect life back in it and plenty of birdlife too. I get that I can't be classed as organic for a few years because of the herbicides that may have been used but this will be a good start. Will keep looking for the answer to the disposing of these chemicals

 

[redback]

The bin collection company has hazardous waste disposal in their central warehouse here.
Best to plant and turn in a green manure crop where you intend to grow edibles. Try radish, mustard and chickpea or similar to get the soil coming alive again. Worm activity in the soil will indicate success.

 

[Meadowlark]

...Best to plant and turn in a green manure crop where you intend to grow edibles. Try radish, mustard and chickpea or similar to get the soil coming alive again. Worm activity in the soil will indicate success.

Agree...but I would recommend two cover crops... a summer cover crop (such as above suggested by @redback) and a winter cover crop w/legume(s) both of which turned into the soil while green. That soil should then be ready to go and grow without the need for replacing any next spring.