Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - April 13, 2011
From: Tucson, AZ
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Planting
Title: Possibility of contaminants leaching from asphalt driveway to adjacent vegetable garden in Tucson
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
We have planted a vegetable garden next to a driveway. The driveway has recently (within the last 2 years) been covered with asphalt. My concern is that the oil may leach into my vegetables. Is this a relevant concern?ANSWER:
We don't know how relevant this is, but we do believe it is a matter of concern. You understand that Mr. Smarty Plants is neither a chemist nor a soils analyst. We also want to explain that the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the growth, protection and propagation of plants native not only to North America but also to the area in which they are being grown. Just about all vegetables qualify as non-native, either because they were introduced from another part of the world, or because they have been so hybridized or genetically altered that they no longer resemble the original plant. This means we are not experts on vegetable gardens, either, nor will those plants be in our Native Plant Database. So, we have assembled some links that look like they might be of some help to you in researching the answer to your question.
The National Society of Consulting Soil Scientists: PAH contamination of soil by asphalt.
The Journal of Environmental Cleanup Costs, Technologies and Techniques: Contribution of common sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to soil contamination.
Concrete Paver's Guide: The Asphalt Driveway - What You Need to Know
These are all technical papers, which we don't understand, and don't mind admitting it. We would suggest you contact the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Office for Pima County. They are connected to a university, maybe someone there knows the answer.
Bottom line: We, personally, would not eat the vegetables. You could always have some kind of ornamental garden there; it might still be absorbing contaminants but if no one eats the plants, there would be little cause for alarm.
More Planting Questions
Transplanting Virginia creeper
September 02, 2008 - I have a large Virginia creeper plant approximately 15 feet in length. Is it possible to transplant the whole thing without killing it? If so how do I care for it after it has been moved? Thank yo...
view the full question and answer
Planning garden tasks in advance from Austin
January 03, 2012 - My yard was a disaster last year-grass and trees browning, early leaf fall on flowering plants, and water bills sky high, even with the limited watering days. What can I do this year to prevent this s...
view the full question and answer
Possibility of camas being raised in Edmonton, Alberta
September 18, 2007 - I live in Edmonton, Alberta, and wish to find out how "Camassia (leichtlinii white) will fare in this zone.
view the full question and answer
Removing leaves before transplanting from Miami
August 27, 2009 - What is good idea to remove some leaves before transplanting a plant??
view the full question and answer
Planting under Pine Trees in Pocatello ID
April 08, 2014 - Hi I was wondering if you could give me some ideas of what I could plant under and near some pine trees for my area. The trees are huge and so it is also constant shade where I want to plant. Thanks f...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |