As we start the second month of life for our community garden, we can see great things beginning to happen, both in the plots and throughout our community. Please keep the following Gardening Guidelines in mind while you visit the garden and tend to your plants.
These Guidelines are a supplement to our rules for membership in the association and use of the garden. Please let your committee know if you have any questions by contacting us at: garrison.creek.park@gmail.com
Gardening Guidelines
1. Edible plants should only be planted inside the fenced area, in the raised-bed planters. Any edible plants outside of the fence are to be considered ornamental only and should not be eaten.
2. All produce harvested from the garden - including the fenced-in area – should be washed thoroughly before eating. Recommended washing solution:
1 tbsp white vinegar + 1.5 litres water
Dunk the produce in the washing solution and then rinse with water.
3. Please be careful with invasive species. If you plant something in your plot that starts to invade another part of the garden, you may be asked to remove it.
Note: an exception will be made for vining plants such as squash or cucumber so long as they are kept out of the main central walkway, are not a safety hazard, and are not obstructing access to other members’ plots.
4. Unless you have arranged otherwise, please tend to and harvest from only your own plot. If you see something growing in your neighbour’s plot that you’d like to try, please ask before you sample.
5. Chemical insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers are prohibited in the garden, as outlined in the garden rules. If you have any questions, please contact one of the garden coordinators.
6. If you would like to contribute a plant to the community plots, please let one of our coordinators know before you plant it. They will help select a suitable planting location and be sure it gets appropriate care.
7. You are responsible for removing weeds, dead plant material, garbage, etc. from your own plot. Please dispose of it appropriately. Any tools left in the garden area are there at your own risk – although we will promote positive use of this space, the Garrison Creek Park Community Garden Association bears no responsibility for lost or stolen tools, plants, planting supplies, etc.
7. Municipal water is for the Garrison Creek Park and Community Garden ONLY.
8. Please report to the Garden Coordinator immediately if you spot any signs of theft, vandalism, misuse of garden resources, or damage to the garden or park.
Guidelines for the use of the community compost bin:
- Plant materials only. No meat, eggs, dairy, or non-biodegradable items should be placed in the composter.
- No animal waste.
- Please do not use the composter to dispose of home/kitchen waste.
- If you pulled a plant from your garden because it was diseased, please dispose of it in the GARBAGE, not the compost bin.
- Weeds that have gone to seed should be disposed of in the garbage.
- No large-diameter sticks or other wood products, as these will not break down quickly.
Thank you,
Garrison Creek Park Community Garden Association Executive
