Town of Newington, CT - Community Gardens

The community gardens are located next to the farmhouse at the Young Farm, 282 Church Street. A 20X20 foot plot is available to Town residents. Cost for the space is $20.00. Plots will be roto-tilled, staked, and will be ready by late April. Water will be available for watering cans.

The DO’S and DON’TS:

Do use a weed barrier such as clean lawn grass or degradable weed barrier to control weeds and conserve water.

Do keep the rocks and debris out of the pathways so we can mow.

Do use care in applying or using pest control products to prevent damage to others.

Do clean up and remove all fences and non-degradable items from the garden at the end of the year.

Do work your plot by June: plots not claimed by then or worked are available to anyone.

Don’t give up- very few things are better than home-grown vegetables!

Gardeners are responsible for full compliance with all state and federal agriculture laws. Only pesticides approved by the CT DEP Pesticide Compliance Division may be used in your garden. If you are unsure about a product you want to use, contact DEP. No poisonous or illegal plants may be grown, and no weed killers or systemic insecticides may be used.

1. No rocks, stones, or bricks may be used in the garden.

2. No alcoholic beverages may be consumed at the Community Gardens as they are on town property.

3. Produce grown may not be sold for profit at the Community Gardens.

4. No permanent fixtures (watering systems, etc.) and no sprinklers of any kind may be used on a garden plot. The plot renter, or an adult member of his or her family must be present when any watering is done. Irresponsible use (e.g. leaving faucets running, letting children play in it) will not be tolerated.

5. Pets must be on a leash and attended at all times. No bicycles are allowed on garden walkways or plots.

GARDENING PROCEDURES

· BEGINNING PLANTING DATE--Plots will be available for use when the gardens have been tilled and staked which is expected to occur on or about April 21. You may begin using your plot when the numbered stakes marking plot boundaries are in place. BE SURE YOU WORK ONLY THE PLOT YOU RENTED.

· COMPOST & MULCH— For weed suppression, gardeners may use their own biodegradable mulch such as straw, grass clippings, biodegradable mats, woodchips, etc. Materials that do not decompose, such as, carpet, black plastic, etc. are discouraged. Gardeners must remove all non-biodegradable material by the end of the season.

· REFUSE--An area is designated at each garden site for weeds and organic waste to be stockpiled. Another area is designated for rocks. Trash cans will not be supplied. Please remove your own non-organic trash (paper, plant pots, etc) from the garden area. Do not throw litter or refuse elsewhere in the garden area.

· VANDALISM--Security is not provided. Vandalism and theft can be a problem especially during harvesting season. If you notice unauthorized people in the gardens or suspicious activity, please help your gardening neighbors by calling the Police Department at 666-8445.

· WEEDY/UNCARED FOR PLOTS--These plots are a potential source of weed seeds and pests and contribute to a ragged appearance. Neglected plots may be cleared and/or re-rented if the gardener does not take appropriate action within two weeks of notification. If you plan to be on vacation for an extended period of time, please ask a neighbor gardener, relative, or friend to care for your plot in your absence. If you wish to discontinue using your plot, please call the Park Office at 665-8666.

· WATER, HOSES AND SPRINKLERS--The water faucets are shared with other gardeners. Let the Parks and Rec Department know if the faucets are not working properly, 665-8666.

· BOUNDARY LINES--DO NOT MOVE THE CORNER STAKES. These are the boundaries of your plot. As the season progresses you may find they will need to be pounded in again or replaced. If possible, connect your four stakes with string, or you may construct a small, temporary fence. Please keep plants within your plot.

CROP REMOVAL --At the end of the gardening season, the gardens are mowed and prepared for winter. All harvestable crops, foreign material, stakes, plastic fencing, wheelbarrows, non-organic mulch, trash, etc. must be removed by October 30. The garden areas will be inspected shortly after October 30^th. You may also lose your privilege of first renewal of your plot for next season if you fail to clean up. Materials you may leave behind in your plot include anything that can be safely turned into the soil, such as plant stems, leaves, crops you don’t want, and organic mulches. Any items not removed will be discarded.

EQUIPMENT REMOVAL— At the end of the gardening season, gardeners must remove hoses, wheelbarrows, fences, stakes, etc from the garden area. The gardens are not to be used for storage of equipment during the off season.

· GARDEN MAINTENANCE--Individual garden plots and adjacent pathways shall be maintained by the renters. Parks and Grounds will mow pathways periodically.

· BE NEIGHBORLY--Be a good neighbor to your fellow gardeners. Do not exceed your own garden boundaries. Be considerate when using water, hoses, mulch, fencing, etc. Please keep a clear path between gardens. Please discard unwanted or unnecessary items properly. Call the Parks and Recreation Dept. to inform us of problems that occur regarding your garden plot.

· PESTICIDES – To prevent over-spray contamination and other problems affecting your garden neighbors, herbicides are prohibited in Newington’s Community Gardens. Organic gardening techniques and organic chemical compounds may be used to control pests and weeds. This statement is not intended to restrict the use of fertilizers. Gardeners found to be using non-organic chemical herbicides risk losing their gardening privileges. For more information on organic gardening techniques please explore the library or your local garden center.

Plots must be cleared of all metal, plastic, and wood and removed from the site by October 30. Failure to comply with this provision will result in forfeiture of gardening privileges for the following year.