WFC Guidelines for Organic Community Gardeners

So that everyone can enjoy their time at the Organic Community Garden, and to ensure safely for everyone, all gardeners are expected to follow these guidelines:

• Community gardeners must be members of the WFC. A garden and fee can be shared but each party must be a member.

• Each person must apply each year for a plot but returning gardeners will be given first preference and permitted to keep the same plot if they wish. The number of plots per gardener may be limited according to demand.

• Opening Day for 2015 is May 2nd. Year-end clean up must be completed by date to be announced in August.

• Gardening at the WFC CG is on an “at your risk” basis.

• If you decide not to use your plot, please contact the WFC so it may be reassigned to someone on the waiting list. If there is no evidence of activity at your plot by June 15th, it will be reassigned. There are no refunds on plot fees paid.

• You are responsible for your own plot and several hours of volunteer work a month (contributing to the upkeep of the whole garden). This involves weeding the perennial beds at front of garden and garden plots not assigned for use but planted in flowers for attracting beneficial insects.

• All growing practices shall be in accordance with *Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) organic standards and all soil amendments, pesticides ad fungicides must be approved by the **Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). Keep in mind that the Noyes Neck Road property borders on coastal wetlands and that we are permitted by CRMC only for organic gardening. WFC will be subject to fines and loss of our permit if any gardener violates this rule.

• If you are unable to care for your plot for a time because of illness or vacation, ask a fellow gardener for help with weeding and harvesting.

• If your plot is overgrown with weeds, you will receive a warning. After one week of no action, your plot may be reassigned.

• Keep vines and all supplies out of the paths. We are not responsible for damage by the mower to plants or items in the pathways.

• Keep plot boundaries weeded and fencing free of weeds that will go to seed.

• Water carefully and conservatively. Never leave water running when you leave the garden. Keep hoses detached from water lines so all gardeners can use the faucet. Notify the coordinator if a faucet is leaking.

• Composting guidelines will be posted on site and need to be followed.

• Do not pick from your neighbor’s garden even if you think they have neglected their plot.

• Keep tall plants such as corn or sunflowers at the center of your plot so they do not shade your neighbor’s plants.

• Diseased plants should be removed from the garden and disposed of at home.

• No pets in the garden.

• At the end of the growing season, gardeners are responsible for clearing their plots of all plant material and planting cover crop (to be supplied).

• Biodegradable mulch such as compost, leaves, straw, and hay are encouraged. Remove any non-organic mulch by closing day. No wood chips as mulch. Black plastic is allowed, but must be removed at the end of the season.

*Northeast Organic Farming Association NOFA: www.nofact.org
**Organic Materials Review Institute OMRI: www.omri.org