What is a community garden all about?
We are groups of individuals and families of diverse backgrounds who choose to garden together. We welcome people of all cultures, speaking all languages, making any kind of income, with little or a lot of gardening experience. Each household gets a garden plot to tend and contributes some volunteer hours to help run the garden. Gardeners collect fees, maintain paths, mow, hold meetings, elect chairs, and divide all tasks among us. The garden has no paid staff people, so we all pitch in by volunteering for different tasks.
How big are plots?
The vegetable plots are 3 ft by 10 ft. Flower plots are available in differing sizes.
What do I get when I sign up?
A plot of approximately 3'x10' for your use during the season.
Use of a few shared common tools, and some free seeds and plants.
Access to city compost which is delivered at least once per season.
Access to water.
A supportive environment for learning about gardening and meeting neighbors!
How much does it cost?
Payment for plots is based on a sliding scale. The cost ranges from $10 to $25, though no one will be turned away for lack of funds. These dues pay for tools, hoses, water, etc.
What extra things can I purchase?
Some gardens invite gardeners to buy bales of straw or hay for mulch at wholesale cost during Spring Registration events. See separate sheets for why you might want these.
Are the gardens organic?
Yes!
What is organic gardening?
The short answer is that organic gardening means not using synthetic products, including pesticides and fertilizers. No herbicides (like Round-Up) are ever allowed in the gardens. If you are unsure about a particular product, contact the garden coordinator for the garden to find out if you can use it. Ideally, organic gardening replenishes the resources as the plants make use of them. Like feeding depleted soil with composted plants, or planting legumes to add nitrogen to an area that had been planted with a heavy feeder. The bigger picture involves working in cooperation with nature, viewing your garden as a small part of all the natural system. Visit our links to learn more about organic gardening.
What about people who have never gardened before?
One of the greatest benefits of community gardening is learning from other gardeners. The most important thing is to ask for help and suggestions from your fellow gardeners. It's a lot of fun! Experienced gardeners are usually quite glad to share their knowledge and skills with gardening novices. Flatter experienced gardeners with your questions! Also, check out the public library for hundreds of books on how to garden. We particularly recommend the "Wisconsin Garden Guide" written by Madison resident Jerry Minnich. Visit our links to learn more.
How much time does it take?
Gardening is fun, but it's also hard work. You have to weed, harvest, and maintain your plot. If you are going to be out of town for an extended period, you'll have to arrange for someone to tend your plot. Gardening also demands more time at different points in the season than others. If you don't think you can tend to your plot twice a week, consider sharing with someone else.
Once I have a plot, what do I have to do?
Be a good neighbor by following the rules and maintaining your plot.
Perform the required hours of voluntary-service for your garden.
Enjoy the garden and the community of gardeners!
What about theft?
All the gardens experience at least a little theft or vandalism. Gardeners have found that theft diminished with signs and outreach to neighbors to tell them about the garden and invite them to get plots. Fences can also help.
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