Gardening, a practice that beautifies your surroundings, provides fresh produce, and reconnects you with nature’s wonders, is not without complexities. It’s crucial to be aware of the numerous regulations that vary depending on your state or area. Equip yourself with the necessary information, from knowing which plants to avoid to understanding which states or municipalities may not permit backyard gardening.
What makes gardening illegal in some areas?
Gardening can sometimes pose environmental concerns, as seen in Florida, where certain common yet invasive plant species can harm native ecosystems. Several southern states have laws addressing invasive plants. One way to ensure compliance is to opt for native plants. This not only helps you adhere to the law but also contributes to preserving your local environment.
Homeowners associations and zoning rules
Some homeowners associations have strict rules about gardening, including prohibiting it altogether. Often, the main reason is aesthetics. Zoning laws can also dictate what you can or can’t do in your garden, so you need to check whether gardening is an option in your area.
It is safer to grow a garden in the backyard
Some areas do not allow front lawns to become vegetable gardens. Though these laws are changing, you need to check with the homeowners association before you start planting. Before 2019, Floridians couldn’t grow vegetables, but that has changed, though you still need to check whether your local laws are okay with your gardening.
Growing hemp is too much work
Federal and state interpretations of the 2018 Farm Bill made growing hemp a task that goes beyond gardening. In some jurisdictions, it may be illegal, while in others, it is regulated. It does not help that things are constantly changing, so Vermont and Mississippi lost their hemp licenses last year. Before you consider growing it, check out whether it is legal and whether you need additional paperwork.
Poppies can be illegal
It’s illegal to grow opium poppies with the intent to make opium tea. While growing poppies is still mostly not illegal, things are likely about to change. Thirteen state AGs recently wrote to Congress, urging lawmakers to prohibit the sale of opiate-contaminated poppy seeds.
Tomatoes and similar foods
Some foods are restricted due to their effect on flora and fauna. Among them are nightshade vegetables, a group of plants that includes eggplants, tomatoes, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Nightshade vegetables contain solanine, a toxic chemical that can improve the leakiness of the intestines and affect the gastrointestinal microbiota.
Belladonna is not illegal, but…
Belladonna is a beautiful flower, and you can purchase the seeds and grow them yourself, but don’t. The poisonous belladonna can be harmful to touch, and its berries can kill. These plants are difficult to cultivate, so that’s another reason not to risk your life over a beautiful plant.
Creeping thistle is banned in five states
Creeping thistle, also known as Canada thistle, is banned in at least five states, including Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, and Washington. This highly invasive plant can change the natural structure and species composition, where it becomes well-established.
Garlic mustard is bad for the environment
Garlic mustard is banned in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. It arrived in the States in the 19th century as a medicine, but it is now considered a threat to biodiversity because it releases chemicals that can adversely affect other plants.
Japanese barberry is linked to an increased risk of Lyme disease
Japanese barberry’s intensely invasive habits are well known, but the plant was linked to increased risks of Lyme disease. It is banned in several states, including Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, and Pennsylvania. However, over 20 reported that the presence of the black-legged tick, which transmits Lyme disease, advances in areas with lush barberry.
Chinese privet
Although Chinese privet is recognized as an invasive species in several states, it is still commonly sold and planted as an ornamental shrub in others. All species of privet are non-native to the US and illegal for gardening in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas, Georgia.
Brazilian peppertree
Brazilian peppertrees occur in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, and Texas. However, they are toxic and very invasive, so this ornamental plant should not be planted near your garden.
Best foods for the smallest gardens
Leafy greens, like kale or spinach, peas, numerous herbs, and onions, are garden staples that can be grown in even the most miniature home gardens. Keep in mind that your garden is not only about plants and laws regarding them but also about water laws, which vary from one area to another.
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Kate Smith, a self-proclaimed word nerd who relishes the power of language to inform, entertain, and inspire. Kate's passion for sharing knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations fuels her every word.