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1. What is a community garden all about?

Community gardening is about individuals and families of diverse backgrounds gardening together. Everyone is welcome! Community gardens include people of diverse cultures and languages, with a range of incomes, and various levels of gardening experience.

Each individual, family, and organization has a plot to tend and opportunities to volunteer to keep the garden running smoothly.

2. What size are the plots and how much do they cost?

Walker Park Community Garden:  $20 to $40 for plots anywhere from 50 to 100 square feet.

Jefferson Community Garden: $20 to $30 for plots ranging from 30 to 60 square feet..

3. How many plots do I get?

Because of limited space, rental is limited to 200 square feet of plot or plots per individual, family or organization.

4. What do I get when I rent a plot?

A compost-enriched garden plot for 1 full year, a Gardener's Handbook, use of shared common tools, access to water, a supportive environment for learning about gardening and meeting other gardeners.

5. What extra things can I purchase with my garden plot?

During Spring Registration straw for mulching your plot can be ordered for an additional reasonable cost.

6. How can I conserve water?

Do not use overhead sprinklers, they are an inefficient waste of water. Never leave a hose on unattended! Water slowly; this avoids run-off by allowing the soil to absorb water. Create small "wells" around each plant or along the row; this focuses the water on the root area. While waiting to allow water to slowly soak in, tidy up your plot and adjoining path. Water is a finite resource - use it wisely.

7. How do I control water pressure and prevent the hose from bursting?

Preserve the hose and control water pressure by adjusting the handle at the faucet. Do not turn off water from a hose-end valve with the faucet on. It is not necessary to fully open the faucet. Open the faucet slowly, approximately half way.

If any part of the hose breaks while you are using it, it is your responsibility to repair it immediately. Hose repair kits are available through your garden leaders or they are stored in a designated area.

8. What do I have to do to stay in good standing with the garden?

Follow the Gardener Guidelines, be courteous and communicate. Maintain and weed your plot and adjacent walkways, harvest regularly, conserve water and respect fellow gardeners and their plots.

9. What if I am unable to maintain or harvest my plot or plots?

Notify a Garden Leader immediately. If you need to relinquish your plot, it will be reassigned. If you need temporary assistance, it will be provided.

Please do not allow vegetables to rot on the vine - someone could use the food, plus, rotting vegetables are a potential source of plant disease.

10. What about composting at the garden?

If a compost area is established at your garden, follow these guidelines: Do not add diseased plants, Bermuda grass, weed seed, junk food or meats.

11. What do I do with garden debris that can’t be added to the compost?

There is an area dedicated in or near the garden where materials that cannot be composted are piled for city crews to haul off.

12. Who do I contact for gardening advice or any garden issues?

The Garden Coordinator or a Garden Leader can assist with questions, suggest resources or team you up with a more experienced gardener. They can also help solve any issues that may arise. Contact information is provided in the Gardener's Handbook.