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Grass is the most popular and safest option for planting over a septic drain field, but you can also plant small flowering plants and other lightweight plants that don’t have woody or deep roots. Avoid trees and bushes within 10 feet of the field, as the woody roots can crack the perforated pipes. You should also avoid planting vegetable or fruit gardens over your drain field, as a leak from the pipes could contaminate the soil and put anyone who eats the produce at risk.

As long as you’re building a greenhouse, consider the overall look of your backyard. Could it benefit from stone walkways or grading? As long as you’re hiring a hardscaping pro to lay the foundation for a greenhouse, you could tackle those other projects to give your whole yard a glow-up at the same time.

Unless it only rains once in a blue moon where you live, you’re going to want water-loving plants in your garden bed or pot. A few ideas for plants that aren’t super fast-growing (meaning they’re good in pots or near foundations) and can handle a lot of standing water include: 

• Acorus (Sweet flag)

• Colocasia esculenta (Taro or elephant ear): In many climates, these are annuals, making them less desirable because you need to adjust the chain again after each replant.

• Equisetum scirpoides (Dwarf horsetail rush): non-dwarf varieties of horsetail are fast growers and can take over quickly.

• Juncus effusus (Curly rush)

• Osmunda regalis (Royal fern): Royal fern can grow quickly but can also handle being crowded, making them good container plants.

By definition, gardeners are experts at designing and maintaining outdoor gardens. Their job duties extend far beyond choosing the right plants for the area, which in itself is a job—they also help maintain the health and well-being of the plants. Gardeners work independently or for landscapers, nurseries, or horticulture design companies.