Community Gardens at Joppa Hill Educational Farm

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Plot Number if known

Access to the Garden

Garden Plots

Use of PlotsGardens must be planted by June 1st or the plot may be reassigned at the discretion of the Executive Director at the farm. Gardeners may use only the plot(s) assigned to them by the farm, and may not alter the dimensions of their plot(s). Gardeners will maintain their plants within their plots, and will trim any plants that extend into neighboring plots or into common areas.Yes, I understand

Number of PlotsGardeners may not have more than two plots at one time. (Gardeners who had more than two plots prior to 2024 are grandfathered and may maintain their plots.)Yes, I understand

PlantingsGardeners may plant non-invasive vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Gardeners may not maintain plantings or plant-supporting structures that impede adjacent gardeners’ access to sunlight by the nature of their height, material, or density. Gardeners are solely responsible for the planning and management of their own plots, including providing their own seeds, plants, fertilizer, and any tools not provided by the farm or gardeners collectively.Yes, I understandIf you are not returning, all perennials must be removed

ToolsThe following items are authorized to be used within the garden plot during the rental term: a. A reasonably sized plastic or wood composting bin; b. Landscape fabric, landscape plastic, or biodegradable materials (such as cardboard) if properly maintained and secured in place. Landscape fabric and all other non biodegradable mulching materials must be rolled up and secured; c. Biodegradable mulching materials in a reasonable amount, such as leaves. No more than 5-stored biodegradable bags per plot; d. Temporary wooden stakes or wooden structures and associated trellis material, or temporary metal trellis structures specifically designed for gardening purposes (such as tomato cages), for supporting vine-type plants; e. Rakes, shovels, watering cans/containers, buckets, small gardening tool container, or other hand-held tools customarily used for gardening; f. Only organic pest controls may be used if used sparingly in accordance with labeled directions, and in consideration of neighbors who do not wish to use them. Storage of pest controls on garden plots is not allowed for any duration; g. Tiller, mower, weed whacker (no fuels are to be stored on-site for any duration); h. A temporary chair, small sun umbrella, or other similar personal items that are temporary in nature; i. Personal items brought to the plot and removed at the end of the day, such as coolers, water bottles, etc. j. Temporary use of bricks/pavers for securing row covers;Yes, I understandIf you are not returning, all perennials must be removed

WaterEach gardener is responsible for watering their own plot using the hoses provided by the farm. Gardeners are required to follow appropriate water conservation practices and fall/winter hydrant protocols.Yes, I understand

Plot Maintenance and TrashGardeners should maintain their plots and borders in a clean and neat fashion, promptly removing any weeds, overgrowth, or other waste from their plot to ensure accessibility and mowing. Gardeners should promptly harvest edible plants. Gardeners are responsible for hauling and disposing of their own trash, such as boxes, trays, bags, packets, and similar items. Organic material may be dumped in the metal compost bin for disposal.Yes, I understand

Fall CleanupAll materials and personal belongings will be removed from the leased plot by November 1st. Failure to comply with this provision is cause for non-renewal in subsequent years, and removal/disposal of all materials and personal belongings by the farm following a 10-day notice to the plot renter at the address provided.Yes, I understand

AbsenceGardeners may not abandon their plots. Abandonment means failing to maintain a plot for more a month. If a gardener expects to be away from the garden for more than a month, they need to inform the Groundskeeper at the farm. The gardener and the groundskeeper will then determine an alternative that is acceptable to both, such as a temporary substitute. Gardeners who are away for more than 2-months will lose their plotsYes, I understand

WaitlistA waitlist for plots in the Community Garden will be maintained by the Executive Director.Yes, I understand

InsectsNotify the groundskeeper immediately if you observe an invasive insect such as potato beetles or jumping worms. A notice will be placed on the communication board to make others aware of a potential issue.Yes, I understand

Common Areas and Responsibilities

Common ToolsAny common tools the farm has available will be stored in the garden sheds. Please return tools to the storage shed as soon as you are finished using them. If a common tool appears dangerous or in disrepair, the gardener should not use the tool, and will inform a groundskeeper. Tools left behind by gardeners will be put in the shed for others to use.Yes, I understand

Common ResponsibilitiesGardeners will keep clean and neat any common areas, such as pathways and storage sheds. Gardeners will promptly report any concerns about the safety of the garden to the groundskeeper.Yes, I understand

Garden Work DaysWhen garden work days are announced, gardeners are expected to participate if they can. This includes cleaning and maintaining the garden community space, sheds, walkways and fencing.Yes, I understand

CommunicationThe Executive Director has complete authority to interpret the rules and make decisions.Yes, I understand

Contact InformationThe farm will provide a bulletin/announcement board in the garden. The groundskeeper will post contact numbers on this board. Gardeners must tell the groundskeeper of any change in their contact e-mail addresses or phone numbers.Yes, I understand

Newsletter and FeedbackGardeners are encouraged to provide suggestions about garden operations to the groundskeeper. Gardeners should contact the groundskeeper directly at the number(s) provided on the board, not the farm office, with any questions relating to day-to-day operational matters.The Garden Coordinators will send a regular email newsletter to notify gardeners of any changes made in how the garden operates, these rules, assignments of plots, etc., or to discuss any issues or concerns.Yes, I understand

New Gardener OrientationNew Gardeners need to attend a farm-led orientation to become familiar with how the garden functions, the location of water spigots, and their responsibilities as a plot leased.Yes, I understand

Conduct

General ConductGardeners are expected to be civil, honest, and cooperative in dealing with the farm, garden neighbors, other gardeners, and guests of other gardeners. Check the boxes if you agree and understand.Gardeners may bring guests, including children, into the garden, provided that the guests comply with the rules. Gardeners will supervise any child under the age of 14. Gardeners will be responsible for the conduct of children and their guests. Guest violations of these rules are treated as violations by the gardener.Gardeners may not bring any pets or animals into the garden; this includes dogs on leash.Gardeners may not enter other plots, use another gardener’s tools or supplies, or harvest another gardener’s produce without the explicit permission of the other gardener.Fires, smoking and sales in the garden are prohibitedGardeners should bring any disputes about the garden or with fellow gardeners to the groundskeeper. The groundskeeper and Executive Director will have the authority to hear these disputes, and will resolve them in the best interest of the garden.

Rule ViolationsGardeners may lose their rights to participate in the garden if they fail to comply with any of these rules. If a Gardener: a. Endangers other gardeners, the farm, neighbors, or other individuals; b. Takes or uses another gardener’s tools, supplies, or produce without permission; c. Encroaches on a garden neighbor's plot; or, d. Allows a dog(s) in the garden. The farm may, at its discretion, immediately terminate the gardener’s right to participate in the garden. If that occurs, the gardener must leave the garden by the end of garden hours on the termination day, and may not re-enter without the farm's permission. If a gardener violates any other of these rules, the farm will inform the gardener of the violation by sending an email to the gardener. The gardener will have one-week to correct the violation. If the violation is not corrected within one-week, as determined by the farm, the farm may, at its discretion, terminate the gardener’s Agreement. After termination, the gardener will have two-weeks to harvest and clean up the plot. Terminated gardeners are not entitled to any refunds or other payments from the farm.Yes, I understand

No limit on Sponsor RightsThe process described in this Section G does not (i) limit the farm's ability to enforce its rights under these rules; (ii) limit or qualify a gardener’s obligation to comply with applicable law or the rules; or (iii) limit the farm's right to notify and/or involve government authorities as it may determine.Yes, I understand

Other ProvisionsCheck the box if you understand and agreeThe farm may amend these rules at its discretion without advance notice. The farm will provide all gardeners with a copy of the current rules, will post a copy of the current rules at the garden, and will summarize any changes in the next newsletter communication.Any waiver by the farm of these rules must be in writing and signed by the farm. Failure, neglect, or delay by the farm at any time to enforce the provision of these rules will not be considered a waiver of the farm's rights under these rules. Waiver of any breach or provision of these rules or failure to enforce any breach or provision of these rules will not be considered a waiver of any later breach or the right to enforce any provision of these rules.The Gardener’s Agreements with individual gardeners are subject to the master lease between the Town of Bedford, who owns the farm's land, including the gardens. As a result, if the landlord (Town of Bedford) terminates the lease, the garden will close, and the gardener’s agreement will terminate. At that time the gardeners will no longer have access to the garden.The farm will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a veteran.

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