A very strange sign has appeared offering free dirt to any Portland resident who wishes to take it.

The sign reads “This curated vintage dirt has been hand-excavated from the bottom level of this century-old Portland home. Once delivered by the might Columbia River, it’s now been gently shoveled, sorted and carried, bucket by bucket to its current resting place. Seeking a new forever home.”

You may have thought that this was a simple internet based joke and that people wouldn’t take it seriously.

However, people still can’t agree on the quality of century old dirt, with some even suggesting that the dirt is 100% useless or even dangerous to grow vegetables in!

One avid gardener pointed out that dirt which has been underneath a house for 100 years would not really be able to grow anything in and may contain small chips of lead paint – which, you would certainly not want inside your food.

Although really, it seems people have taken this a little too far and something that was likely intended to be a joke has ended up in a debate about dirt quality.

However, if you do want to know about growing plants and vegetables, here is some useful information:

Different types of soil have varying levels of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, as well as trace elements like iron, zinc, and copper. These nutrients are crucial for plant growth and development. Additionally, the soil’s ability to retain moisture and provide adequate drainage also affects plant health.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that different vegetables have varying nutrient requirements and preferences for soil conditions. Some plants may thrive in slightly acidic soil, while others prefer alkaline conditions. Understanding the specific needs of the vegetables you want to grow can help you tailor the soil amendments and fertilizers accordingly.

In summary, the nutritional value of soil can vary, and it is important to assess and adjust the soil’s nutrient content to meet the specific requirements of the vegetables you intend to grow.