1. DUES
Annual dues are $30 per plot. PayPal at payments@upshurgarden.com is the preferred way of paying but cash is also an option and needs to be provided to our treasurer Robin Griffin, 1202 Fairmont Street NW #3, Washington, DC 20009
2. COMMUNITY SERVICE
We currently ask gardeners for one hour per month per plot April through October. Tasks include general maintenance, compost, development of common areas, shed cleaning and organizing, mowing and special projects like fruit trees and communal beds. As mentioned above we are bringing back a regular schedule of work days. Check out the work days and events list here. You will also receive a google calendar invite for each workday and event soon. You can report your service hours online here
3. KEEP YOUR PLOT COVERED
At all times (including winter) have your plot planted, have a cover crop growing in your plot, or have a mulch covering. This increases soil health and fertility while keeping weeds and pests down. As part of this you are required to plant your garden plot (cover crop or garden plants) by June 1, 2023. We have left over cover crop seed from fall 2022 in the shed and will be providing more this fall. We are hoping to also hold a cover cropping workshop again in the fall. Check out this planting guide to know what you can plant when.
4. KEEP YOUR PLOT WEEDED
Weeds are inevitable and not entirely bad, but too many weeds can spread their seeds to other plots, lead to pests and get out of control. Keep your plot weeded!
5. KEEP IT ORGANIC
Organic pest remedies and fertilizers are allowed but no toxic pesticides/herbicides or non-organic fertilizers please. If you are not sure if something is allowed or not - don't assume it is - ask first. Feel free to ask the board or your fellow gardeners about remedies that have worked in the past.
6. SECURITY
Please relock the lock to the fence while you are in the garden and the gate is open to prevent it from going missing. When locking up the front gate upon leaving, please make sure the chain is taught and not slack, to deter entry. Lock all water spigots after use. Please report any vandalism to the listserv that you observe.
7. CORONAVIRUS
a. Don't come to the garden if you feel sick.
b. Follow DC Coronavirus Guidelines and use common sense
c. Clean tools, locks, and water spigots after use and bring your own gardening gloves (we will provide cleaning supplies).
d. Practice social distancing.
Our waitlist is long! If you do not follow the garden guidelines and do not respond to the board or failure to comply with the garden rules, the board will reassign your plot to the next person on the waiting list.
If at any time you are finding it difficult to maintain your plot or do your community service, let the garden board know and we’ll be happy to help! If something changes and you no longer wish to keep your plot, let the board know as soon as possible so that the next person on the waiting list can join the garden. If you have any questions about the rules and requirements in Upshur Community Garden, please don’t hesitate to ask.
The management team can be reached at upshurcommunitygarden@gmail.com.