Garden District Community Garden Program Overview

The Garden District Community Garden Program provides neighborhood-based growing spaces where residents can grow fresh food, build skills, and connect with one another through hands-on stewardship. Our gardens are designed to be welcoming, practical, and community-led, with a focus on creating spaces that last.

How it works
Community members apply for a plot at one of our sites and commit to caring for that space throughout the growing season. Garden District supports participants with clear expectations, seasonal guidance, and a shared structure that helps each site stay organized and productive.
The growing season runs from April through November. All garden plots must be cleared by December 1.

Garden Sites and Plot Fees
We currently offer plots at two locations:

Berwick Alternative Community Garden- Plot fee: $5 per season
Garden District Community Farm- Plot fee: $20 per season

What participants can expect

A designated garden plot for the season
A supportive community of fellow gardeners
Seasonal growing guidance and basic best practices
Access to water at the garden site
Opportunities to volunteer, learn, and participate in community events

Expectations:

• The growing season starts on April 1st, and plots must be cleared out by December 1st. 
• Tools are provided in the shed. If additional tools are needed, you can make this request to the Garden Manager.
• Make sure to close and lock any gates before you leave the property. 
• Email the Garden Manager about any suspicious activity that occurs.
• Friends and family members are permitted into the garden, but must be under your supervision and adhere to the rules and regulations. 
• Children under 14 must be supervised at all times while in the garden. Abandoned plots may NOT be refunded after the start of the growing season. 
  
• Registration for eligible plot holders starts on March 1st. 
• Open registration starts on March 15th if there are open plots.
• Smoking, chewing tobacco, and open flames are NOT allowed in the garden. Tobacco is a carrier of the Tomato Mosaic Virus, which can kill many common vegetable crops.
• Plots have been marked for the purpose of individual plot recognition. 
• Please do not move the markers.
• Members are expected to perform certain maintenance to ensure the garden remains a beautiful, well-kept area for everyone. Such maintenance items are: ○ Keeping equipment and site in good condition (general maintenance). ○ Weeding and cleaning the gardener's plots and pathways of the garden. ○ Picking up trash/litter 
• Non-selective herbicides (like Roundup) are NOT allowed in the garden. 
• Plots may be arranged to the tender's whim, but certain regulations do apply: ○ Non-permanent structures are permitted (concrete, bricks, and mortar). 
• All structures and vegetation must not cross into, or shade, another plot. ○ Nothing over 6ft tall. ○ Any materials must be brought by the plot holder. 
  
• Plot tenders are responsible for the maintenance and harvesting of their plot. 
• Do NOT harvest from other plots or public spaces. 
• Watering, weeding, harvesting, and any other garden-related maintenance are all the responsibilities of the plotholder. If you will be away for an extended period, email the Garden Manager. 
  
• Plotholders can arrange for other plot holders to watch over their plot while they are away. 
• Trash and compost bins will be provided. 
• Email the Garden Manager if you find any leaks in hoses or damaged tools.

What we ask of participants
Commit to the growing season and maintain your plot consistently
Demonstrate inclusive behavior and respect shared community space
Communicate with Garden District site leadership when issues arise
Help keep the garden clean, welcoming, and productive

Our values
Community-based agriculture
We believe growing food together strengthens neighborhoods, increases access to fresh produce, and builds resilience through shared responsibility.

Sustainable practices
We encourage soil building, organic methods, and approaches that support long-term garden health.

Inclusive access
We work to reduce barriers and prioritize welcoming neighbors and historically marginalized community members into leadership and participation.

Ready to join

If you are interested in growing with Garden District, we would love to hear from you. Apply to request a plot, and we will follow up with the next steps, site availability, and seasonal details.

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