Can I Grow Food in My Hell Strip?
PlantingThe Short Answer: Yes, on Residential Streets
Springfield allows edible plants in hell strips on residential streets. A raised bed of herbs, lettuces, or cherry tomatoes alongside the sidewalk is perfectly legal — and increasingly popular.
However, there are important caveats depending on your street type.
Know Your Street Type
Residential Streets — All Clear
On residential streets, edible gardens are appropriate and safe. Soil contamination from vehicle exhaust is minimal, and runoff from the street is manageable. This is the ideal scenario for a food-producing hell strip.
Arterial Roads — Use Caution
Pollinator and native plant gardens are recommended on arterials. Edible plants are not recommended due to vehicle exhaust and runoff contamination. High traffic volumes mean elevated levels of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) and other pollutants in roadside soil and on plant surfaces.
Highways and State Routes — Skip the Food
On highway-adjacent strips, native plants only. Edible plants are strongly discouraged. You'll also need to check MoDOT right-of-way rules before planting anything at all. Contact the MoDOT Southwest District Office in Springfield at (417) 895-7600, or call the statewide line at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).
Safety Considerations for Edible Gardens
Heavy Metal Concerns
Road runoff can deposit heavy metals in roadside soil over time, especially on older streets. If you're concerned, get a soil test before planting. The MU Extension Service offers soil testing — contact the Master Gardeners of Greene County for guidance.
Raised Beds Are Your Friend
A raised bed filled with clean topsoil eliminates soil contamination concerns entirely. It also creates a clear visual border (great for ordinance compliance), provides better drainage, and gives you full control over soil quality.
Wash Everything
Whatever you grow in a hell strip, wash it thoroughly before eating. This applies to all roadside gardens, even on low-traffic streets.
Practical Tips
- Start small — a 4x4 raised bed of herbs or lettuce is a great first project
- Call 811 first — Missouri law requires it before any digging, even for raised bed installation
- Stay under 7 inches — or use intentional planting signage so your garden isn't mistaken for a weed patch (Sec. 74.404)
- Water access — plan for hand-watering or a drip line; hell strips often don't have irrigation
Resources
The Master Gardeners of Greene County offer free advice on edible gardening, soil testing, and plant selection. Reach them at (417) 874-2963 or hotline@mggreene.org, Monday–Friday 10am–4pm, March through October.