2011 Community
Garden Plot Rules & Regulations

Community Gardens are about being a good neighbor and good steward of the resource. You are responsible for the maintenance of your plot(s). The plot, the Security Deposit and 2011 plot rentals may be forfeited if the rules on this page are not followed.

• Please note the information posted on the Garden Plot Bulletin Board (on the side of the Tool Shed at the gardens) and on the special CRPR web page for the Community Garden Plots.

• There must be no trash or debris in your plot (plastic bags, empty planters, plastic jugs, etc.).

• Pulled weeds & garden debris must be placed in the designated bin outside the gate.

• Please plant tall crops only where they will not shade neighboring plots. Unlawful plants are prohibited.

• Please keep the gates to the garden closed.

• Please park only in the designated parking area - and so that you do not block other cars.

• The woodchips are intended for use on paths only - not as garden plot mulch.

1. Please keep weeds at a minimum and maintain the areas immediately surrounding your plot. Weeds within the plot must be kept under control and must not exceed 6 inches in height. Regardless of height, all weeds must be removed prior to going to seed. Do not permit weeds from your plot to spread into your neighbor’s garden. There will be Garden Maintenance Checks (“weed checks”) periodically by members of the Community Garden Advisory Committee. Gardeners will be provided with one warning via phone or email if their plot requires maintenance. If necessary, the second warning to a gardener will be issued by mail. After a total of two warnings about any rental issue, the Committee may withdraw the plot from the gardener and/or retain the Security Deposit for clean-up or other costs. End-of-Season Requirements (by 30 Nov 2011):
• All wooden stakes, excluding the plot corner stakes, must be removed and piled neatly beside the tool shed.
• All plastic coverings, fencing, tomato cages, trellis structures, garden ornaments or watering cans must be removed and taken home.
• All plants and weeds, excluding perennials and cool season crops which are still producing, must be removed from the plots and placed in the appropriate bin outside the fence. Cover crops may remain. Any compost piles must be spread across the plot or removed from the site.
• Plastic compost bins may remain at the owners risk, but they must be secured with rope so that the top sections do not blow away.

2. The SECURITY DEPOSIT will be used, when necessary, to offset any cleanup, weed control or other costs for your plot during the season. All plots must be cleaned up for the winter by 30 Nov 2011. Any unused Security Deposits will be available for (1) refund or (2) application towards the 2012 Security Deposit, if desired by the gardener. It is noted that any deposits held for the next year do not constitute a guaranteed reservation for a plot. CRPR reserves the right to relocate assigned plots or reconfigure the plot layouts from year to year.

3. Absolutely no pets are allowed in the gardens. Pets outside gardens MUST be on a leash and under direct control of the owner.

4. While raised beds are permitted, please do not dig deep trenches and large mounds in your garden. Please do not bring rocks and large stones into your plot or to define the borders of your plot.

5. Some garden tools and carts are available in the shed by the barn. Please clean and replace any borrowed items back into the shed. Please do not leave any tools at the gardens and also help keep the tool shed clean and organized.

6. Water will be provided outside the garden. Use water buckets only; hoses are strictly prohibited. Please report any water leaks to the CRPR office.  While some garden stakes will be available, any use of the garden perimeter fence as a trellis is prohibited.  Compost may be provided as available, but a supply is not guaranteed.

7. Help reduce garden pilferage by getting to know the gardeners near you and be aware of strangers and suspicious activities. Please report any suspicious people, activities and any instance of theft to the Ferguson Township Police at 1-800-479-0050.

8. Applicant agrees to hold harmless Centre Region Parks & Recreation, the Township of Ferguson and the Tom Tudek Memorial Trust from any injuries or personal property damage to myself or my guests that may occur at or near the garden site.

Have fun and enjoy the beauty of nature around you!

Return to the Garden Plot Page

Centre Region Parks & Recreation
2643 Gateway Drive #1, State College, PA 16801 (814) 231-3071    Fax 235.7832     15 Feb 2011