Hello everyone. I just bought my first home and I’m new at this gardening stuff. I’m concerned about contaminants in the soil. I’ve heard of heavy metals and other pollutants being present in some places. Also (and please don’t laugh, I really am new at this) the previous owners had a dog who left “presents” in the yard. Is this harmful to the soil? I’d like to plant some vegetables without poisoning my family. Can/should I get the soil tested? Where? I live in Chicago. Thank you. Janet O.
Janet, no worries about the doggie do. By the time planting time comes next spring, your soil will be fine. You don’t want animal “presents” in your garden while you’re growing but generally there’s no harm done.
Most County Extension services offer soil testing so if you’re truly concerned, you could call them about it.
Those doggone Dummies books really are pretty good.
Have fun and don’t worry too much about making mistakes - growing stuff is supposed to be fun! No one’s going to grade you on anything and there’s no pop quizes involved. Enjoy and welcome to the Board.
Welcome, Janet!
Hey, this is a subject near and dear to me. If you want a good gardening book that really is very easy to follow, try the 2000 Better Homes and Gardens Guide to Gardening. I love this book. It has really great ideas on tree planting, terracing, and the art of landscape design. It lists hundreds of flowers and deciduous trees and bushes you might want to incorporate into your area.
First thing: find out what “zone” you live in. I think you might be zone six. I dunno about Chicago.
Second: don’t worry about the poop but find out what kind of soil you have. We have clay here in Memphis and it’s pretty much designed to grow bermuda grass. Everything else is work.
Third: Mulch! Love your mulch. Squish it between your toes when it’s fresh from the bag/pile. Come to enjoy it’s odor (I suddenly feel like Francesca). 
And, do try to have fun.
Welcome!
I’ve been eating home-grown around here for many years and haven’t poisoned myself yet. Not actually IN Chi, but am right under O’Hare’s pattern and have the usual assortment of Chicago’s pollutants.
Our soil in this area is such that “presents” actually HELP the grass. I’ve lived places where urine would make the soil too acid, but that’s not a problem here.
Start a compost pile. Ohhhh wonderful compost.
I’m becoming a zealot about mine; friends are starting to avoid me when I mention the ectasy of turning with my pitchfork, how many wormies live therein, the astonishing rate of decomposition of grapefruit skins … And you should see my flowers! Lush and bright! My sunflowers have the happiest faces since I became a composting goddess.
Don’t put any dog poo in, though.
Oh and glad to have you Janet!