REGISTRATION AND FEES 

Priority is given to returning gardeners each new season. Prior to the start of the season (usually January or February), each household is allowed to request up to two (2) garden plots that were reserved the previous season. Requests for more than two plots will be filled based on availability.  Once gardeners have had an opportunity to renew, registration is opened up to new gardeners and plots are filled on a first come, first served basis.

The rental fee for a single garden plot is $40. This fee is used for soil preparation, such as tilling, the addition of compost, water, garden improvements, and related items. Plots will be made available to waiting list gardeners if payment is not received. 

ORGANIC GARDENING

The PCCC Community garden is organic.  The use of artificial pesticides and/or fertilizers are not allowed in the garden plots.  

GARDEN CANCELLATIONS

If you choose not to use your garden plot, contact the church immediately so the plot may be reassigned to someone on the waiting list. If the garden is claimed by another gardener prior to the garden opening, your fee will be refunded. There will be NO refunds after the start of the gardening season.

OPENING DATE

The target date for opening is May 15 but due to weather & soil conditions, this may vary. Households will be notified when the garden plots are officially open.

COMMUNICATION

Email will be the preferred method of communication to all households regarding dates, deadlines, events, updates, etc. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the community garden, you will likely get the quickest response via email.

GARBAGE & COMPOSTING

Separate receptacles will be provided for trash & recyclables.  There are bins located to the east of the garden where organic material such as weeds should be placed. Please observe the differences so that additional sorting is not required.

WATER & HOSES

Water spigots and hoses are provided by the Church. One set of spray nozzles will be provided at the beginning of the season. If a nozzle breaks or malfunctions, do not discard but rather notify church and they will be replaced.

SAFETY & COURTESY

• We ask that you not use orange snow fencing for your gardens.  Gardeners will be asked to remove such fencing from their plots.

• Gardeners are not allowed to enter; remove produce, leaves, or material from; or otherwise interact with plots which are being rented by other gardeners.

• Do not store materials outside of your garden as they interfere with the ability to mow and impede other gardeners.  Also, please be aware that items such as hay bales attract rodents and their use is therefore discouraged.

• Due to the nature of this community garden, gardeners and guests are asked to be respectful of other gardens, church grounds, and residential neighbors. Garden hours are 6AM-10PM with quiet hours from 6AM-8AM and 8PM-10PM.  We ask that during quiet hours extra attention is given to not making noise that may disturb our residential neighbors.

• Do not allow vine crops to extend beyond your plot’s boundaries.

• Return hoses in a uniform manner to hangers.

• Children must be supervised.

• Pets and alcohol are NOT allowed.

• The use of synthetic chemicals for weed and pest control is not permitted.  Neither is the use of artificial fertilizer to promote growth allowed

• Plots must be emptied at the end of the season.  Please remove all non-compostable items including fencing and landscaping fabric. Items not claimed will become the property of PCCC and be disposed of as needed.  The deposit will be forfeited for any plot that is not properly emptied.

Additional Guidelines due to the Covid-19 Outbreak

- Social distancing

1. Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and other gardeners that are not from your household.
2. Consider wearing a mask if you are gardening in close proximity to other gardeners (i.e. If someone is gardening in a neighboring plot) or consider gardening at a different time.

-Common areas

1. Wear a mask and gloves when accessing common areas such as water stations, trash bins, & recycling bins

GARDEN NEGLECT & WEED CONTROL

Gardeners will be responsible for the weeding/maintenance of their plot(s). Gardens must be kept free of weeds. If any garden has not been planted by May 31 and the owner has not made contact/provisions with the church to extend the deadline, those gardens will be reassigned to those on the waiting list. Additionally, the church will inspect all gardens regularly to ensure compliance. Gardeners not performing maintenance will be notified to rectify the situation within two (2) weeks. Further non-compliance will result in the garden being mowed. The offending household will lose community gardening privileges for the following year. Gardeners will be allowed to reapply (as new gardeners) after their one (1) year absence.

FENCING

Fencing will not be provided by the church.  Due to the need for accessibility by large machinery for tilling and maintenance, permanent fencing is not an option.  Gardeners are free to provide temporary fencing for their plots as long as there is no encroachment upon neighboring plots.  Fencing must be removed at the end of the growing season. (See END OF SEASON CLEANING)

TRAPS

Although traps are generally discouraged, certain pests may need to be controlled by trapping. Gardeners preferring to use traps must enclose their plot(s) with fencing on all four sides and place signage warning others that traps may be found in the plot(s). Poisons are NOT allowed.

RESTROOM FACILITIES

The church is unable to provide restroom access for gardeners.  There may be porta-potties available at the nearby park (west of the church at the end of 41st Ave. N).

GARDEN CLOSING DATE

The target date for closing is October 15, but due to weather & soil conditions, this may vary from year to year. Households will be notified when the garden plots are officially closed and given ample time to clean up their plot(s).

END OF SEASON CLEANING

Please remove ALL non-compostable itemsincluding fencing and landscape fabric. Items not claimed will become the property of PCCC and be disposed of as needed. Gardens containing plants with large stalks such as corn need to have stalks removed by the renting gardener. 

The church reserves the right to change these rules as situations change.  Prompt notice will be given.

I have read and agree to the rules for the Plymouth Creek Christian Church Community Garden.