Community Gardens and COVID-19
Philadelphia declares community gardens essential and life-sustaining
Philadelphia protocol for community gardens established in consultation with PA Department of Agriculture
Are tools available?
Yes. Miscellaneous shovels, rakes, spade forks, a broadfork, etc. are stored at the back of the garden near the water tanks. In previous years, a rototiller has been rented for a weekend early in the season, but this is not guaranteed. If a tool you want is not available, just ask! The garden has funds for equipment.
Is water available?
Yes. Water is supplied from a house across the field from the garden, and stored in tanks. You may fill containers, but may not attach a hose. Please be conservative in usage; the water is paid for from plot fees, and filling the tank is time consuming.
Where can I put trash and recycling?
A bin for trash is located at the front of the garden next to the gate. A volunteer empties it regularly. The bin for recycling has been removed because of recent restrictions to recyclable materials. So if you have a recyclable item such as a plastic water bottle, please take it home.
Where can I put plant debris?
A compost area is located on the west side of the garden for any plant debris collected as you prepare your plot in the spring or maintain your plot through the summer. Please remove as much soil as possible from roots. You are encouraged however to compost plant debris in your own plot; some gardeners construct a small mesh cylinder, and some gardeners arrange plant debris around the rim of the plot to rake in as it decays. FOOD IS NOT PERMITTED in compost areas; it attracts unwelcome critters.
Where can I get mulch?
When the field around the garden is mowed, the hay (which suppresses seed germination) is free for anyone to use. Stauffers sells straw for about $7 per bale. Experienced gardeners have recommended straw over a layer of moistened newspaper (about 10 sheets) or cardboard (which can be slippery when wet), with holes for plants. Occasionally someone offers to bring burlap coffee sacks. The township will sometimes deliver a mound of compost mulch just outside the gate, but this is not guaranteed.
Who maintains the garden?
Plotholders are responsible for preparing and weeding their own plots and the aisles in between. Plotholders also must sign up for 2 hours of community service per plot each season; this consists of mowing the aisles and weeding unrented or abandoned plots, and monthly work groups to repair and tidy where needed. The field around the garden is maintained by the school district.
Is the garden locked?
The garden gate is secured with a combination lock, which is reset each year. The combination is emailed to each plotholder upon completion of registration. Emergency phone numbers are posted on the gate in case of problems.
When can I get into the garden?
Any time you feel like it, assuming you are a plotholder in good standing and have the lock combination. There are no official season opening and closing dates, and no official hours of operation. There are also no lights, so as a practical matter it's dawn to dusk.
How are weeds and bugs dealt with?
This is an organic garden; non-organic herbicides and pesticides are not permitted. The most prolific weeds are Canadian thistle in spring and foxtail grass in summer; both can be kept under control by hoeing regularly, and are most easily pulled out after rain.
How are animals dealt with?
Despite the fence, the garden gets voles and rabbits and an occasional groundhog. Many gardeners put chicken wire around their plots, or mesh cylinders around sprouts. A few humane traps are available; if you set one, be sure to monitor it, and release the animal outside the fence immediately.
Philadelphia declares community gardens essential and life-sustaining
Philadelphia protocol for community gardens established in consultation with PA Department of Agriculture
Are tools available?
Yes. Miscellaneous shovels, rakes, spade forks, a broadfork, etc. are stored at the back of the garden near the water tanks. In previous years, a rototiller has been rented for a weekend early in the season, but this is not guaranteed. If a tool you want is not available, just ask! The garden has funds for equipment.
Is water available?
Yes. Water is supplied from a house across the field from the garden, and stored in tanks. You may fill containers, but may not attach a hose. Please be conservative in usage; the water is paid for from plot fees, and filling the tank is time consuming.
Where can I put trash and recycling?
A bin for trash is located at the front of the garden next to the gate. A volunteer empties it regularly. The bin for recycling has been removed because of recent restrictions to recyclable materials. So if you have a recyclable item such as a plastic water bottle, please take it home.
Where can I put plant debris?
A compost area is located on the west side of the garden for any plant debris collected as you prepare your plot in the spring or maintain your plot through the summer. Please remove as much soil as possible from roots. You are encouraged however to compost plant debris in your own plot; some gardeners construct a small mesh cylinder, and some gardeners arrange plant debris around the rim of the plot to rake in as it decays. FOOD IS NOT PERMITTED in compost areas; it attracts unwelcome critters.
Where can I get mulch?
When the field around the garden is mowed, the hay (which suppresses seed germination) is free for anyone to use. Stauffers sells straw for about $7 per bale. Experienced gardeners have recommended straw over a layer of moistened newspaper (about 10 sheets) or cardboard (which can be slippery when wet), with holes for plants. Occasionally someone offers to bring burlap coffee sacks. The township will sometimes deliver a mound of compost mulch just outside the gate, but this is not guaranteed.
Who maintains the garden?
Plotholders are responsible for preparing and weeding their own plots and the aisles in between. Plotholders also must sign up for 2 hours of community service per plot each season; this consists of mowing the aisles and weeding unrented or abandoned plots, and monthly work groups to repair and tidy where needed. The field around the garden is maintained by the school district.
Is the garden locked?
The garden gate is secured with a combination lock, which is reset each year. The combination is emailed to each plotholder upon completion of registration. Emergency phone numbers are posted on the gate in case of problems.
When can I get into the garden?
Any time you feel like it, assuming you are a plotholder in good standing and have the lock combination. There are no official season opening and closing dates, and no official hours of operation. There are also no lights, so as a practical matter it's dawn to dusk.
How are weeds and bugs dealt with?
This is an organic garden; non-organic herbicides and pesticides are not permitted. The most prolific weeds are Canadian thistle in spring and foxtail grass in summer; both can be kept under control by hoeing regularly, and are most easily pulled out after rain.
How are animals dealt with?
Despite the fence, the garden gets voles and rabbits and an occasional groundhog. Many gardeners put chicken wire around their plots, or mesh cylinders around sprouts. A few humane traps are available; if you set one, be sure to monitor it, and release the animal outside the fence immediately.