A reader recently posted a great question: Can you plant a garden over a septic system?

Septic Systems are a necessary part of many rural homes in order to live and comply with local health laws.

According to NVU, “A septic system is a highly efficient, self-contained, underground wastewater treatment system. Because septic systems treat and dispose of household wastewater onsite, they are often more economical than centralized sewer systems in rural areas where lot sizes are larger and houses are spaced widely apart.”

First, let’s talk about HEALTH. It is NOT a good idea to plant a vegetable garden over a septic system. Do we need to explain why?  🙂
Flower Gardens will not be an issue at all. Most flowers have short roots, and septic systems will generally be 3′ or more below the ground level.

If you live in Massachusetts, there are strict laws regarding title 5 and many septic system installers will caution you on this. You should not plant any trees or any vegetation with deep roots over 1′. In addition, you should contact your septic system maintenance company or installer to make sure you are not planning any plantings near any parts of the system which may need dug up or maintenanced regularly aka pumped or cleaned.