🌱 Gardening & Food Preservation Safety Resources

Hi friend! One of the reasons I started Lex in the Garden is to help you enjoy the rewards of gardening and preserving food without worrying about safety. From canning to composting, there’s a lot of information out there—and not all of it is accurate.

Below are the trusted, research-backed sources I use and recommend. Save this page for later!

⭐ Lex’s Favorites

If you only check out a few, start here:

  • USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning — tested recipes, safety charts, and pressure canning instructions.
    📘 Download the Guide (PDF)
  • USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map — the easiest way to choose plants that thrive in your climate.
    🗺️ Check Your Zone
  • Poison Control – Plant Safety — quick help for lookalikes and what to do in an emergency.
    🚑 Visit Poison.org

🥫 Safe Food Preservation

National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP)

Why it matters: Prevents foodborne illness with step-by-step canning, freezing, dehydrating, and fermenting guides.

How it helps: Research-backed methods for safe, long-lasting preserved food.

🔗 Visit NCHFP

USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning

Why it matters: Improper canning can cause serious illness like botulism.

How it helps: Tested recipes, pressure canning instructions, and safety charts.

📘 Download the Guide (PDF)

CDC – Botulism and Food Safety

Why it matters: Botulism is a top preservation risk if food is processed incorrectly.

How it helps: Shows warning signs, prevention, and what to do if exposure is suspected.

🔗 Learn More

♻️ Composting Safely

EPA – Composting at Home

Why it matters: Composting reduces waste and builds soil—when done safely.

How it helps: What to compost/avoid, plus tips to manage piles and reduce contamination.

🔗 Read EPA Guide

Cornell Waste Management Institute

Why it matters: Poor composting can spread pathogens or harmful contaminants.

How it helps: Research-based methods to make safe compost that supports plant/soil health.

🔗 Explore Cornell Resources

🌿 Identifying Plants: Safe vs. Poisonous

Poison Control – Plant Safety

Why it matters: Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes.

How it helps: Quick ID guidance and emergency steps if ingestion occurs.

🚑 Visit Poison.org

Cooperative Extension Services (Local Universities)

Why it matters: Risks vary by region; local experts know your area.

How it helps: Free plant ID guides, classes, and helplines tailored to your region.

🔎 Find Your Local Extension
Quick plant safety checklist
  • Never consume a plant unless you’re 100% certain of identification from multiple sources.
  • Check for regional toxic lookalikes common in your area (via your Extension office).
  • Keep Poison Control number handy: 1-800-222-1222.

🌍 Gardening by Zone

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Why it matters: Planting outside your zone often leads to failure and wasted effort.

How it helps: Choose plants suited to your climate for better success.

🗺️ Check Your Zone

American Horticultural Society (AHS)

Why it matters: Safe, sustainable methods protect you, your plants, and the environment.

How it helps: Guides on soil health, organic growing, and safe plant handling.

🔗 Visit AHS
✅ Tip from Lex: Start small! Whether you’re learning to can, trying your hand at composting, or figuring out what grows best in your zone—safety first keeps gardening fun and stress-free.
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