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Sheep near vegetables??

• Message 1. 

  Posted by RedMandar (U14355961) on Wednesday, 22nd February 2012

  I'm thinking of starting a new veg plot at the bottom of the garden, but I'm a little bit concerned about the proximity of a water-filled ditch and a mill race at the bottom, and more specifically about the sheep on the other side!
  
  Is it safe to grow veg so close to sheep and water which is almost certainly contaminated? I'm principally worrying about liver fluke, but leptospirosis is also something I'd rather avoid. Or am I just being a worrywort?

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by zoomer44 (U14019069) on Wednesday, 22nd February 2012

  Not sure what a mill race is, do you live near a mill which isn't used any more! ...and the ditch has been there since 'Adam was a lad' with the same water in!
  
  ...If the sheep drink from the ditch it can;'t be that bad surely?
  
  ...and if the sheep can't get to your veg plot due to the ditch I don't see what the concern is, go ahead and start a new veg plot.

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• Message 3

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  Posted by BaraGwenith (U14257539) on Wednesday, 22nd February 2012

  Rats can run all over vegetable gardens whether there is water nearby or not.
  
  Liver fluke should not be a problem; most sheep are regularly wormed. Just avoid watercress.
  
  Ensure the sheep can't cross over to your side, they love a tasty bite of vegetables.
  
  I can't see any particular problems from what you have said.

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  Posted by BigDave (U3975543) on Thursday, 23rd February 2012

  You could get the water tested???
  
  Whatsthemarrow...

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• Message 5

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  Posted by Thesassenach (U14884672) on Thursday, 23rd February 2012

  If the sheep field is very damp, with lots of rushes growing, then yes, there could be a danger of liver fluke being present. However, sheep are regularly treated to prevent infection, as it renders the animal worthless. There is no danger to you, or your veg plot unless you intend to graze alongside the sheep! I would try to ask the farmer if you can collect sheep dung in a sack, as it makes excellent liquid manure; I've never met a farmer who minded me picking up turds yet!

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• Message 6

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  Posted by Vixxihibiscus (U13865184) on Thursday, 23rd February 2012

  Red Mandar, I think you're just being a worrywort
  
  I have an allotment in a large field and in the winter, to keep the grass down the local farmer brings his sheep in to graze the grass. They wander all around and over my allotment, including the parts I grow vegetables on. I like the manure benefits.
  
  
  I also have a ditch at the bottom of mine. I presume that with all the water that runs into it, what with it never flooding that the water must be going somewhere (and thus changing) I use mine for watering in dry spells and have suffered no ill effects as a result. Bearing in mind the water is filtered by the soil before is is absorbed my your veggies.
  
  Just go for it, seems too good to waste a sunny spot

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  Posted by RedMandar (U14355961) on Friday, 24th February 2012

  Many thanks all, will go right ahead! I particularly wanted to check as I have a toddler who I hope will be eating some homegrown veg in a few months.

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• Message 8

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  Posted by Inajam (U14850695) on Saturday, 25th February 2012

  Sounds like you have an idyllic spot for your veg and your toddler, and absolutely no need to worry about the sheep .... unless you're planning on enlarging your family. If this is in your plans you should be aware that there are conditions that can be picked up from sheep at lambing time which can affect a pregnancy. Go to NHS Direct for more information if relevant.

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