Question on planting herbs: near house vs. container garden?

[Suzanne Podhaizer]

I rent an apartment with a small yard. When we moved in, there were several herbs (lemon thyme, oregano) planted in a small "garden" area that is set off from the lawn with pieces of wood.

This patch is right next to the building, and fewer than 5 feet from our heating oil intake pipes. I don't know if the wood is pressure treated or not.

Last weekend, I got a lovage plant and some lemon balm from Red Wagon Plants in Hinesburg. I'm not sure whether it's safe to plant them near the other herbs, or if I should create a container garden. Any thoughts?

Also, is it safe to eat the lemon thyme and oregano? Should I transplant them or just get new ones?

[Mark Krawczyk]

Hi Suzanne
You pose some great questions and I think it's difficult to give a definitive answer without checking the space out in more detail (or having the soil tested - google 'UVM soil test' to find our more about our local soil test lab).

Unless you notice heating oil leaking through your intake pipes it would seem that they shouldn't be a concern - though that depends on how close the plantings are to the tank and how likely it is that fuel is spilled during the refilling process. 

As far as pressure treated wood goes, it may be difficult to tell at this point though generally, treated wood has a greenish hue that is unlike any other wood you'd otherwise encounter. 

If you're at all concerned about the safety of your soil, it's best to play it safe and use either containers or raised beds to get plant feeder roots up and out of what may be contaminated soils.  I'm reluctant to say whether or not you should definitely eat the existing herbs - it would seem that they're probably ok, but again, far easier to diagnose when seen in the flesh. 

Sorry I can't be more direct, but hopefully there's some useful thoughts amongst all of this.

Very glad to hear you're making your urban space productive!!
Best wishes
Mark