5 MILE COMMUNITY GARDEN GUIDELINES

2016

  1. Gardener must be registered and have paid seasonal fee of $30, in order to have a plot in the garden. The fee covers the cost of operating the garden (such as water, repairs and supplies) and making improvements to the overall space. Each plot will measure 4’x8’. You can also rent an in-ground area for $30 (approx. 24’x19) or half area for $15.
  1. Each gardener must apply each year for a plot; returning gardeners will be given first option and can be permitted to keep the same plot. Returning gardeners must notify garden coordinatorby April 17th to reserve their space. Plots available after the deadline will be open for general sign up.
  1. The number of plots per gardener may be limited according to demand for beds.
  1. Only organic herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers will be used in the garden. Garden management has the right to determine what is organic.
  1. Please use only‘Certified Safe’(non-GMO), organic, open pollinated or heirloom seeds in the garden. (You will find more information about “Safe Seeds”in the Welcome Packet that you will receive at time of registration. You can also research this subject on the web.)
  1. Gardeners are responsible for keeping their plot(s) weeded, tended, harvested and the area around their beds clean and neat. Plots must be cleared at the end of the season. Mulching or using a cover crop is a good idea to enrich soil and keep weeds down. Exact date will be decided at the beginning of September.
  1. If a gardener is unable to care for a plot because of illness or vacation, ask a fellow gardener to care for the plot and notify garden coordinators of your absence.
  1. Gardening must be contained in the defined space and plants cannot invade walkways or other gardeners’ plots. No planting in the paths. Makes it too hard for others to move the hoses around to water.
  1. Garden plots may not be reconfigured in any way. Season extension structures must be approved by garden management.
  1. Only untreated stakes and wood can be used in the garden. Paint and decorations need to be non-toxic.
  1. Plots may not be used for storage of wood scraps, household items or tools. Any plastic or garden fabric used for season extension must be in good condition, secured at all times and be taken down at the end of the season.
  1. Tools and supplies must be placed in the shed or taken home each time you work on your space. All tools and supplies left on garden property will be considered ‘usable by all’ unless clearly marked, and will need to be cleaned, cared for, and returned to shed after each use.
  1. Pick produce from your bed only, unless you have expressed permission from another gardener to harvest from their plot.
  1. No pets allowed in the garden area. Certified service and companion animals are allowed if leashed.
  1. Gardeners are expected to help keep common areas of the garden clean and neat and to join in seasonal work parties to help maintain the overall garden site. There are trash cans (for actual trash only. Not plant debris), a dumpster(near the pole barn) and compost piles for debris produced by gardening.
  1. Be respectful of other gardeners, especially with regard to foul language, loud music, and rude behavior. No smoking allowed in garden or surrounding area.
  1. Guests and visitorsmust be accompanied by a registered gardener inside the fenced garden space. Children must be monitored by an adult at all times.
  1. If you plan to discontinue use of your space, please let the garden coordinators know as soon as possible, so your plot can be reassigned.
  1. Gardeners with overgrown, weedy, or not otherwise in compliance with garden rules, will receive two written warnings that will be issued by garden management. Failure to correct violations within one week of notification will result in loss of garden privileges and reassignment of the plot, without refund or access to crops. (If you are in need of assistance for any reason, please connect with fellow gardeners for help. We want to create real “community” whenever possible! : )
  1. Be a good neighbor to your fellow gardeners, to those who live around the garden, and to the people using other parts of the property. Help keep the garden neat and beautiful.
  1. Please share questions, ideas, and concerns with the garden management. Community gardening often involves finding creative ways to work together to solve challenges that may arise.

Have a great season in the garden!