near chemically sprayed field, growing heirlooms?

[windmillacrefarm]

Just got my first order today from Baker Creek, and first year ever growing heirlooms. Will the sprayed cornfields directly next to my garden affect my plants? I do not own the property or it wouldn't be done. Our farm is right next to the field. thanks........Kat :(

[redbrick]

Yes, if it were me, I'd be very concerned about spray drift, especially if they're spraying Roundup. Maybe you could plant a hedge "screen" to block the spray? Of course, I don't know what plants to suggest for blocking the spray drift. The only other thing to do is to relocate your garden (sigh).

[wilderness1989]

I'd suggest going and talking to the farmer that has the field you think will be sprayed. Be nice to him/her and they might spray the field when the wind is blowing away from your food source. Most farmers are nice people. I farmed for years next to town I didn't spray but plowed the town folks gardens for free while I was plowing anyway. We got along fine.
John Gray

[nikki]

I also live in the middle of sprayed corn and/or soybeans. last year was our first year in this location.
The farmer who farms all of the land around our small acerage told me before he sprayed and did it when the wind was blowing the opposite direction.
He was very pleasent about it and approached me- I am not originally from Iowa and would not have even thought of this if he had not prewarned me. He suggested that I could also cover the tomatoe plants on the day he sprayed (which I could have done because he prewarned me). I did not get to cover anything. He was true to his word and sprayed when the wind was blowing away. I did not see any effect on my veggies 90 % of which are heirlooms.
I was also happy to know about this as I have small children so we also shut the windows and stayed inside that day. Wish I could not worry about this at all but I am very happy that he is so pleasent and understanding of my garden as well!