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 areas can be mowed.

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 season.

      DO work your plot by July 1--plots not claimed by that date or worked on are available to anyone.

      DON’T give up--very few things are better than homegrown vegetables!

Gardeners are responsible for full compliance with all state and federal agriculture laws. Only pesticides approved by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Pesticide Compliance Division may be used in gardens.  If you are unsure about a product you want to use, contact DEP at 860-424-3000.  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 at the Community Gardens may not be sold for profit.

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 the gardens) 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 in late April (weather permitting).  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 materials 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 860-666-8445.

• 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 neighboring gardener, relative, or friend to care for your plot in your absence. If you wish to discontinue using your plot, please call the Parks & Recreation Department at 860-665-8666.

• WATER, HOSES AND SPRINKLERS:  The water faucets are shared with other gardeners.  Let the Parks & Recreation Department know if the faucets are not working properly.

• 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.

• 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 & Recreation Department 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.

• CROP REMOVAL:  At the end of the gardening season, the gardens are mowed and prepared for winter.  All harvestable crops, foreign material, non-organic mulch, trash, etc. must be removed by November 1^st.  The garden areas will be inspected shortly after November 1^st.  You may also lose your privilege of 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, wood, metal, plastic, etc. from the garden area.  The gardens are not to be used for storage of equipment during the off season.

Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in forfeiture of gardening privileges for the following year.