- Garden Guide & Documentation
Welcome to our comprehensive garden documentation! Here you’ll find everything you need to know about our community garden, from plot management to harvest guidelines.
Getting Started
- Plot sizes: Small (4x8 ft) $50/season, Large (8x12 ft) $80/season
- Season: April 1st - November 30th
- Deposit: $25 refundable security deposit required
- What’s included: Water access, basic tools, compost, mulch
Garden Rules & Etiquette
- Organic practices only - no chemical pesticides or fertilizers
- Keep plots weeded and maintained
- Harvest regularly to prevent over-ripening
- Share surplus produce at the community table
- Participate in 2 community work days per season
Our Garden Areas
The Heritage Vegetable Garden
Our main growing area featuring traditional vegetable varieties and heirloom seeds. Perfect for:
- Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant
- Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and radishes
- Leafy greens and brassicas
- Beans, peas, and other legumes
The Herb Spiral
A beautiful permaculture design featuring culinary and medicinal herbs arranged by water and sun requirements:
- Top/Dry area: Rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage
- Middle slope: Lavender, mint, basil, cilantro
- Bottom/Moist area: Parsley, chives, watercress
Children’s Discovery Garden
Designed for our youngest gardeners with:
- Fast-growing plants like radishes and lettuce
- Fun varieties like purple carrots and striped tomatoes
- Sensory plants with interesting textures and scents
- Child-height raised beds and seating areas
Native Plant Sanctuary
Supporting local ecosystem with:
- Native wildflowers for pollinators
- Bird-friendly berry bushes
- Butterfly garden with host plants
- Rain garden for water management
Quick Reference Guides
- Garden Beds & Layout - Detailed information about each growing area
- Vegetable Growing Guide - What to grow and when to plant
- Harvest Guidelines - When and how to harvest your crops
Seasonal Calendar
- Spring (March-May): Plot preparation, cool season planting, seedling care
- Summer (June-August): Maintenance, watering, pest management, harvest
- Fall (September-November): Fall planting, preservation, plot cleanup
- Winter (December-February): Planning, seed ordering, tool maintenance
- Tool Library: Located in the shed - check out tools with your member key
- Seed Library: Exchange seeds with fellow gardeners
- Compost System: Three-bin system for community use
- Water Collection: Rain barrels throughout the garden
- Notice Board: Check for announcements and volunteer opportunities
Need Help?
- Garden Manager: Sarah Chen - available Saturdays 10AM-12PM
- Email: info@metrogardens.community
- Emergency Contact: 555-GARDEN (555-427-3368)
- Online Forum: community.metrogardens.org
Happy gardening!