Testing homegrown vegetables and/or vegetable garden/soil for chemical/harmful metals?

Question

We moved into a new house one year ago and I'm kind of worried about what the previous owners put into the ground and wether or not it's safe to grow anything that I plan to eat. The neighbors on all sides of my have a bugman come out every month and drench their place with pesticides and also use heavy amounts of chemical fertilizers/herbicides. I cannot confirm if the previous owners of my home did as well. But it worries me that they might of. My home was built 15 yrs ago (alot of time to collect chemical/bad stuff) and prior was potato growing land. Where can I get test kits to see if my ground is safe? Or are there tests to find out the levels in the actual vegetables? Has anyone on here done any testing like this before? I've heard of people digging out whole sections of their yards and bringing in clean/fresh dirt - has anyone had to do that? If my ground isn't safe, would building a raised bed with new soil be ok or would the unsafe stuff leach up into the new bed? Thanks

Answer 1

I personally would grow in containers.  I am growing tomatoes, green beans, peppers and squash all in those buckets they sell in hardware stores for compound mixing (At least 5 gallons).  They are the perfect size for many veggies.   Mix a cheap potting soil with compost for the soil and don't forget to drill holes in the bottom and sides of th buckets.

Answer 2

Check with your local master gardener or county extension agent.  They will have information on soil testing.