Gardening courtesy and communication:
One of the main goals in community gardening is to work together in relative harmony. Please be courteous in all interactions, and work to resolve any disagreements. A email listserv for gardeners is available for communicating as a group about requests and questions.
Definition of a “working garden”, maintenance requirements:
A garden plot must be maintained, planted or mulched, and stay within its boundaries. Plots must not be consistently weedy, untended or filled with debris. Mid-way through the season each plot will be assessed by a team of garden stewards (made up of community garden members)- plots that are not being used or kept up will be given a warning and offer of assistance if needed. If plot holders that are given warnings do not respond, they will lose the privilege of automatically keeping their plot for the next year and can be put on the garden waiting list if they desire to get a plot again in the future.
What is appropriate to grow:
Vegetables, herbs, flowers and annual fruit plants for home consumption and donation are appropriate. No large structures, trees, or large collection of non-plant items are allowed. Crops must be legal and for personal use or donation.
Gardening Season:
Gardeners are responsible for keeping the plot gardened, cover-cropped or mulched. No matter what crops you decide to plant, you are responsible for basic plot maintenance.
Cost of Plots / No refunds:
If you give up your garden plot after you have registered or if you fail to maintain your plot and it is transferred to another gardener, your plot fee will not be refunded.
Plot fee: $10 / plot which includes access to city water.
Spring Preparation & Planting:
By June 15 your garden should be at least in the “getting started” stage. This deadline exists to motivate our gardeners to show that they are going to use the garden plot, and not waste it. Some garden plots are reserved with the best of intentions, but end up not being planted. If you haven’t started preparations by this date, there is probably someone on the waiting list who would be willing to take over your plot.
The minimum requirements of “getting started” include:
• Weeding and planting; edging weeds along borders
• Pathway clean-up
Summer Planting and Growing:
PLANTING: By July 1, there should be substantial progress towards a productive garden, which includes:
• At least half of the plot(s) worked and planted
• Removal of remaining weeds
• Establishing and caring for plants
• Continued pathway maintenance
Fall Harvest and Clean-up:
Crops should be harvested and the plants cleaned up and composted by Nov. 1st.
Service to the garden:
Each gardener is required to volunteer at least 5 hours throughout the year to support communal garden tasks. Things like maintaining the compost piles, cleaning out/organizing the shed/pulling invasives and more can all be part of service hours. Several garden work days will be scheduled throughout the year as opportunities to complete the required service hours.
Dogs in Gardens:
No dogs are allowed inside the garden fenced area with the exception of service animals.
Pathways:
Each gardener is responsible for keeping the surrounding pathways weeded and well tended. Your garden space may stop at the edge of your plot—but your responsibility includes the pathways surrounding your garden.
Everything you plant must remain within the perimeters of the designated plots, allowing adequate space for growth and keeping pathways clear. Allow for access within your own plot.
Vegetable Theft:
Any gardener reported for taking vegetables, flowers or supplies from another’s plot may have their garden privileges revoked. Gardeners are encouraged to harvest your crop regularly to reduce the temptation of theft by others.
Natural Gardening Encouraged:
Use of herbicides and/or weed killers is prohibited. Gardeners are encouraged to use natural gardening techniques. Contact the Extension Office at 387-3015 for more information.
Composting:
On-site composting is encouraged, but must be limited to compostable materials produced at the community garden site or your personal residence.