Community Garden Rules

• Garden plots are rented to York County residents only. Use of the garden for commercial purposes is prohibited.
• There is a fee to rent a plot for the season:
  McReynolds Athletic Complex fees are:
  • 10x12 - $15 annually
  • 10x20 - $25 annually
• Charles Brown Park fee is:
  • 10x20 - $15 annually
• Gardeners must provide their own tools.  York County is not responsible for ANY lost or stolen tools or other personal property.
• Plots are limited to one per family unit. Plots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Plots are rented from year to year.  Returning gardeners must re-apply by January 31 to retain the same plot or to have priority to change to an unassigned plot. Registration for new gardeners will begin on March 1. Gardeners must begin working their plot by the later of April 30 or within 14 days of registering. Plots that have not been cleaned and prepared for gardening may be assigned to another applicant without further notice.
• The garden is open seven days a week:
  • March 1 through October 31 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • November 1 through February 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
• The gates to the garden are to be kept locked when gardeners have left the garden.  Only current authorized gardeners are to have the combination to the gate locks.
• Keep pathways free of debris and equipment at all times.
• Ground covers such as stone, carpet and/or artificial turf are prohibited. Newspaper or cardboard used as mulch must be properly secured to avoid littering.
• Family members are welcome to the garden site. Supervise young children so they don't disturb other plots. Walking across other plots is prohibited without the permission of the plot's gardener.
• Pets, animals, and livestock are not allowed in the Community Garden.  This prohibition does not apply to official service animals.
• Weeds and other plant debris must be removed promptly from garden plots and surrounding paths. Gardeners are asked to avoid planting spreading plants (sunflower, tomato, squash, etc.) near the lanes or adjacent plots to avoid infringing on the walkway and on your neighbor's growing space. 
• Pulled weeds and other plant debris should be removed from the site by the gardener.  Large items and plant materials are to be removed from the garden by the gardener.  Putting weeds in the park trash cans or tossing them in the woods is prohibited. 
• Gardeners must not practice any horticultural technique such as fertilizing, watering, applying pesticides, etc., that will in any way affect adjacent plots. Application should not occur on windy days. The application of any herbicides is strictly forbidden.  Homemade pesticides cannot be regulated by VDACS and are unlawful to apply.
• Although the gardens are not specified as "organic gardens," we encourage gardeners to consider alternatives to the use of chemical pesticides. Gardeners are strongly encouraged to cover their plot(s) with mulch as an excellent method of weed control. If you're unfamiliar with mulching techniques, contact the Community Garden Coordinator. If you must use a pesticide other than herbicides (which are prohibited) you must follow these rules:
  1. Read the label. It is against federal law to use a pesticide on a pest or crop that is not listed on the label.
  2. Mix and apply the pesticide according to the label. Increasing the dose or frequency may harm your crop or other people.
  3. No restricted pesticide (pesticides requiring a permit for use) is permitted under any circumstances, even if the person is a licensed pesticide applicator.
  4. For everyone's safety, NO chemical, organic pesticides or fertilizers may be stored anywhere in the garden plot at any time.
  5. Flamers or torches for weed control are NOT permitted due to the risk of fire and personal safety.
  6. Research the problem pest and the guidelines for managing it in the Virginia Pest Management Guide https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/456/456-018/456-018.htmls.html 
• Gardeners should plant tall crops or set trellises and cages in places where they will not shade neighboring plots.
• Individual fencing of plots is allowed. Concrete may not be used to anchor fence posts. Gardeners may not store excess lumber, fencing mesh or other materials not needed for gardening at their plots for aesthetic and safety reasons.
• Gardeners may not dig anywhere, create channels or berms outside of their plots.
• Summer crops must be cleaned for winter no later than November 30th. This involves removing dead plants, stakes, temporary fences, jugs, personal property, trash, etc. Keep the community gardens looking tidy throughout the year.   Pick up common areas, to prevent complaints about the Community Garden.
• Gardeners who are unable to attend their plots, or will be absent for more than 7 days, or who have asked a friend to care for their garden should notify the Community Garden Coordinator as soon as possible (contact information is below). If gardens are not maintained, a notice will be sent to the gardener. The County reserves the right to till, mow and re-assign the plot if no reply is received within the time specified in the notice.
• Crops should be harvested when they are mature. Plot holders may not harvest crops from plots other than the one they are assigned.
• Plots may only be transferred through the Community Garden Coordinator.
• Use of power garden equipment (tillers, etc.) is allowed.  Note:  No electrical outlets are available.
• The use of ANY poisons, firearms, lethal traps or similar dangerous methods to control vertebrate pest (deer,  rabbits, voles, etc.)  in the garden is strictly prohibited.
• Growing controlled substance plants such as marijuana or hemp is strictly forbidden.  
• Sale of garden products on-site is prohibited.
• No amplified music, radios or other sound devices are allowed.
• Do not attach hoses to the water faucets or leave facets running. 
• In case of a water emergency, call York County Utilities at 757-890-3750.  For all other emergencies, call 911.  For any non-emergency issues, please call the Virginia Cooperative Extension office at 757-890-4940.  For suspected trespassers, call the non-emergency Sheriff's office at 757-890-3630.
• It may from time to time become necessary for the garden coordinator to implement additional or temporary rules for the safe enjoyment of others.

The penalty for failing to comply with the York County Community Garden Rules may be immediate cancellation of your privilege to use the Community Garden.    

The Community Garden Coordinator’s contact information is E-mail: yorkcomm.garden@gmail.com  When emailing, please indicate what garden you are inquiring about.