One of the most exciting things about moving into your own home is doing whatever you want with it, such as growing your own veggie patch. But did you know more than a third of Aussie backyards are contaminated with lead? Here’s how to get your soil tested for free.
Gardening is a bit like your journey into property ownership.
You spot a patch you like, start with modest seedlings/savings, and then with a little hard work, watch it grow into a yielding crop/asset.
A
pre-COVID study shows that
more than half of Australian households grow some of their own food – including fruit, vegetables and herbs – either at home or in a community garden.
And that figure is likely to have increased since lockdowns inspired many of us to get our hands dirty in the backyard.
But there’s just one problem you may have overlooked
You know those healthy vegetables you’re growing for your friends and your family to enjoy?
Well, it turns out that in more than 35% of yards, the soil those veggies are grown in is contaminated with concerning levels of lead (more than 300 mg/kg), according to a new
study based on Macquarie University’s ongoing
VegeSafe program.
The study found that homes that were aged, painted, situated near traffic-congested areas or located in the inner-city had the highest soil lead concentrations.
How to get your soil (and household dust levels) tested
The good news is that there’s a free and easy way to get your home’s soil tested.
Simply head over to the
VegeSafe website to find out more, or get straight into
participating in the soil analysis study here.
Participants receive a formal report with their soil results and are provided with information and advice about what to do in the event that they have soils containing elevated concentrations of metals and metalloids.
The program does ask for a modest $20 donation from participants and, while it’s not mandatory, it is appreciated and helps support the program.
It’s also worth mentioning that the same group also run a similar
DustSafe program, which aims to inform residents of potentially harmful metals and other contaminants in and around their home.
Got a patch of land you have your eye on?
So, that’s how you can safely navigate a veggie patch.
If you’re looking for some sage guidance (see what we did there?) in terms of financing the purchase of that particular patch of land, get in touch and lettuce help you out today (sorry not sorry!).
Do you think you have got the best finance deal?
Our experience tells us, that even if you think you have, you may not. As previous clients of JEM Finance Group have discovered, after Jonathan took control of the negotiations for their finance needs. You have nothing to lose, call Jonathan at JEM Finance Group 1300 574 774.
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Jonathan Streater –
Director JEM Finance Group |
Finance Broker Sydney
Over 20 years experience in the finance industry specialising in Credit Risk and Relationship Management. Employed by one of Australia’s top four banks as State Manager in the Corporate Credit Risk field. I have extensive knowledge across all industry sectors.
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