Dirt For My Walstad Tank

So where I got my dirt for my new walstad tank was from an old garden patch by my sisters house. My sister lives in a VERY rural and small town and she hasn't touched the garden patch, nor did the previous owner, so this patch was cultivated and then basically left for years. I am using the dirt, there was some granules in the dirt that looked a little like sand, so I am soaking it in water for a few days just to be sure that it isn't some sort of fertilizer. The garden has been let go for years, and we have had rainstorms and snow and so I think the dirt will be fine to use right?

I am soaking it!

 

I always use clean, natural soil that has never been fertilized or pesticided, collected from a natural woodland on my property (very rural, far from the nearest town or cultivated field). Never a problem.

 

The point is I am not sure that is was ever fertilized that's why I am soaking it,

 

The point is I am not sure that is was ever fertilized that's why I am soaking it,

I think if you soak it for a week changing water every other day you should be fine. My friend that I get advice from and has been fish keeping for 15+years always uses dirt from his yard and does this with no problems.

 

Okay thanks! I'll soak it and make sure to change the water every day

 

Yes, soaking can't hurt and might be useful. There's always a risk associated with using natural materials like dirt or driftwood...or plants...or fish! The best you can do is mitigate the risk by pre-treating as you are doing.

If you get too carried away worrying about stuff like this, you will starve because you would be afraid to eat anything yourself.

 

Yes, soaking can't hurt and might be useful. There's always a risk associated with using natural materials like dirt or driftwood...or plants...or fish! The best you can do is mitigate the risk by pre-treating as you are doing.

If you get too carried away worrying about stuff like this, you will starve because you would be afraid to eat anything yourself.

Yes I probably will. But in all seriousness, soaking it for a week can't harm it, so I guess I will go that route