Community Garden Plot Application

BERWYN HEIGHTS - COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOT AGREEMENTS
1. Garden plots will only be offered to residents of Berwyn Heights for an annual plot fee of $30. Plots are assigned to one per person/household only and are non-transferable. Fees are non- refundable. If you change your mind, your plot will be returned to the Berwyn Heights Community Garden (BHCG).
2. The 2024 gardening season is from March 2024 to February 2025.
3. By June 1, 2024, gardeners must have planted seeds, seedlings, or transplants in their plots. By February 15, 2025, gardeners must remove dead plants garden debris from plots.
4. Gardeners are encouraged to participate fully in BHCG operations by attending community workdays or volunteering for tasks (five hours is required). Attendance at the orientation meeting is strongly encouraged for new plot owners.
5. I agree to maintain my plot which includes pulling weeds; monitoring and controlling of plant disease and pest infestations; regular harvesting; cleaning the plot at end of season; and removing all supports structures, trellises, string and non-organic materials when the plot is given up.
6. I will notify the garden staff if I am no longer able to tend my plot. If I will be absent or on vacation, I will make arrangements with another person (preferably from the garden) to tend my garden and communicate this to the coordinator. I will not give non-members the lock combination to the garden unless I receive approval from the coordinator.
7. Individual garden plots are to be used for growing vegetables and flowers for family use and not for commercial sales.
8. BHCG is environmentally friendly. I will use organic methods, such as handpicking bugs, using row covers, and applying pesticides labeled as organic or OMRI-Listed. If you are not sure if something is allowed, please check posted signs and welcome packet for a list of preferred items. Please email the garden coordinator at Diana Agonoy at 301-672-6670 or dagonoy72@yahoo.com with questions.
9. No illegal, invasive, or perennial plants are allowed in plots. Aggressive plants like mint and lemon balm must be grown in containers and should not be allowed to establish themselves in other parts of the garden. Tall crops, trellises, and structures should be positioned not to shade another garden.
10. Gardeners will not make any permanent changes to the garden.
11. Please be considerate of plot aisles/paths, which are needed for hose and water movement. You are responsible for maintaining the path next to your plot. Paths must be kept clear of weeds, rocks, garden plants, and other obstacles.
12. Water hoses must not be pulled across other plots, must be attended at all times, and rolled up when finished. Shut off cistern and hoses when done watering. Water sprinklers are not permitted. Water use is limited to 15 minutes when other gardeners are waiting. Please make every effort to conserve water. The cistern will only be filled every two weeks.
13. Only items posted at the compost site should be added to the compost pile. No trash please. Please recycle plastics, paper, and cans in the recycling containers provided by the town in the garden.
14. Borrowed tools should be cleaned and returned to the shed after usage. BHCG tools may not leave the property at any time.
15. I will respect the privacy of the neighboring homes and do my best to preserve their privacy and quality of life. I will not ask neighbors to provide use of telephones (except in emergencies) or restrooms.
16. If vandalism or theft occurs, notify the garden staff immediately. Greet people you don’t know.
17. Please do not take anything from another garden without explicit permission from the plot owner. Children are welcome in the garden when accompanied and fully supervised by an adult.
18. For safety and health reasons, pets, smoking, alcohol, and glass containers are not allowed in the garden.
19. The last gardener to leave the garden regardless of the time of day should securely close the gates.
20. If you are unable to harvest your vegetables or need help maintaining your plot, please let us know so we can provide assistance.
21. Plot holders who fail to maintain their plot or harvest vegetables will be notified and may ultimately lose use of the garden for the season. Every attempt will be made to notify the plot holder. The violation must be corrected within 14 days of the first notification, or the plot will be returned to BHCG.