Garden Club Rules

PLOT HOLDER RULES

(Approved January 10, 2026)

Welcome to Greene Acres! We’re glad you’re part of our organic gardening community. To help keep the garden safe, productive, and enjoyable for everyone, please follow these guidelines:

GARDEN ACCESS AND SAFETY

• Garden hours are sunup to sunset, seven days a week.
• Please keep all gates closed at all times. If you are the last to leave, lock the shed and gate, scramble the lock numbers, and be sure no one is left inside.

GETTING STARTED

• After the first general meeting of the year, paid plot holders may begin tending to their plots as weather allows.
• Keep your plot weeded and tidy until planting begins.
• Gate lock combinations change yearly and will be emailed to plot holders.

PLOT HOLDER RESPONSIBILITIES

• All required registration and waiver forms must be completed and received by the Treasurer before working in the garden. Garden plots are not transferable.
• Each plot requires 2 volunteer hours (3 hours for 2 plots), including participation in at least one Work Group. Volunteer hours are logged in the shed.
• Please treat fellow gardeners with courtesy and respect. Smoking, alcohol, loud music, offensive behavior, and theft are not permitted.
• Children are welcome with adult supervision. Pets are not allowed.
• Stealing from another plot will not be tolerated and will result in immediate lifetime expulsion.

PLOT CARE & MAINTENANCE

• You are responsible for the maintaining your own plot, including watering, weeding, harvesting, and keeping pathways clear.
• If you’ll be away longer than a week, please arrange care for your plot with another gardener – also utilize “Please Water” signs found in the shed.
• Plot upkeep starts in April (weather permitting). Plots not planted by June 15 may be reassigned.

MONITORING AND SUPPORT PROCESS

• 1st Notification – A phone call or email will be sent explaining what needs attention. The Plot Holder must respond within five (5) days.
• 2nd Notification – A second call or email will be sent. Immediate response is required.
• Final Notification – A phone call and email will be issued informing the Plot Holder that the plot and payment have been forfeited and returned to Greene Acres Community Garden, Inc.

PLANTING GUIDELINES

• Do not plant or place items that shade or encroach on neighboring plots.
• Structures and tall plants must be no taller than 5 feet.
• Invasive or illegal plants are not allowed. Cannabis is not permitted in the garden.

ORGANIC PRACTICES

• Greene Acres is an organic garden. Only approved organic products may be used (see page 4).
• If you are unsure about a product, please check with the Garden Coordinator.

WATER, TOOLS & CLEANLINESS

• Please share water sources responsibly and return hoses and nozzles after use. Rain barrel water is not potable.
• Garden tools and equipment are available on a first-come basis – please clean them and return after use.
• Take all trash and recycling home with you.

MONITORING, HARVESTING & DONATIONS

• Plots are monitored regularly. If a plot needs attention, reminders and warnings will be issued before any reassignment occurs.
• If produce is going to waste, the Harvest Work Group may harvest and donate it after notice.
• Gardeners are encouraged to donate surplus produce. Selling produce in the garden is not permitted.

COMPOSTING

• Follow posted signs carefully when composting. Only approved garden materials may be added.
• Please do not bring compost materials from home.

END OF SEASON

• By December 1, plots must be cleared of weed and above-ground plant material.
• Personal items such as chairs, cages, and trellises should be taken home for winter storage.
• Plots not cleaned by December 1 may not be eligible for renewal.

FINAL NOTES

• The Garden Coordinator oversees rule interpretation and conflict resolution.
• Rules may be updated by the Board as needed; changes will be shared via email, website, and garden postings.

Thank you for helping make Greene Acres a welcoming, healthy, and thriving garden community! See the next page for Acceptable and Unacceptable products for use in the garden.