Community Gardens Rules & Regulations

As a general reference, the following are the Community Gardens Rules & Regulations:

In order to properly manage the gardens in the interest of safety, maintenance and appearance, the following rules and regulations are to be observed:

1.   Plots will be available for planting by April 15, (weather permitting). 

2.   Gardeners are responsible to weed and properly manage their gardens.  Tall crops should be planted only where they will not shade neighboring plots, and vining plants should be contained within the plot borders.

3.   Herbicides are not permitted; fertilizers manufactured from municipal sludge are also prohibited.  If insecticides or fungicides are used, a 2-foot unplanted border must be maintained within the plot.  Environmentally safe insecticides and fungicides are preferred.

4.   Shanties and lean-to shelters or shade stands of any kind are not permitted.  Lockers that are no larger than 2 feet high, 2 feet wide and 6 feet long are permitted.

5.   Water will be available at rain barrels and a spigot at the Horn Farmhouse.  Only hand watering, using cans or buckets, will be permitted.  Watering containers must be covered or turned upside down after use; no standing water is permitted in the garden plot areas.  In the event of drought conditions, the Center reserves the right to turn off the water.

6.   Temporary fencing of plots is encouraged.  Wood (not metal) should be used to support border fencing, and to stake plants.

7.   Trash and litter are to be cleaned from plots, adjacent pathways and fences.  Take trash and litter with you and dispose of them appropriately.

8.   Dogs and loud music are prohibited from the garden plot area.

9.   On or before October 31, gardeners must remove all non-biodegradable material (i.e., stakes, fence, wire, lumber) and any perennials from the garden.  The five stakes placed by the Center should remain.  Failure to comply may result in loss of future garden plot rental opportunity.

10.   If for any reason a plot must be abandoned the gardener should notify the Horn Farm Center.  If a plot becomes unkempt, the gardener will be given one week’s notice to clean it up before it is reassigned or tilled in.