Gardening on Golf Course

[paula_bear]

I live in an apt on the 18th hole of a golf course. They let us do virtually anything w/ the flower beds. My neighbor literally has a jungle of flowers behind her townhouse, has birdfeeders in the trees, you name it!

There is a small flower bed right near our entrance (which is actually in the BACK of the building and only about 10 yards from the green where they tee-off). I would like to rip out the flowers and shrubs and put in a garden come spring. My only concern is the use of herbicides and pesticides. I know I have seen fertilizer on the ground. Would this be harmful to my garden? Should I ask the groundskeeper what sort of chemicals they use? I know this sounds like a stupid question, but I have never grown anything in my life - I am a true beginner.

I would like to learn about organic gardening and I think it would be so wonderful to nourish my family with healthy, home-grown food. I just want to make sure that doing so, I don't kill them with chemicals in the process! If it is dangerous to plant in my current situation, I can borrow a plot of land from either my parents or my brother, they both live about 2 miles away...

Thanks all for your help (and patience with my ignorance.)

[Chanley]

Having worked with a fella who had experience being the greenskeeper at a golf course, I can say, they dump a ton of crap on those greens to keep them "nice".

Unless you are growing where they are spraying, I would go the raised bed route.

I am in a big hurry right now and I will be back to offer more info.

Gardening is rewarding and exciting regardless of where you live.