Connecting community & nature!
Platteville Community Garden
General Information and Rules
PLATTEVILLE COMMUNITY GARDEN COMMITTEE: The Platteville Community Garden (PCG) is organized and run by volunteers. We have an informal arrangement with the Platteville Community Arboretum (PCA) for shared resources, but ultimately those working the garden make the governing
decisions for the garden. The Platteville Community Gardens Committee meets monthly during the growing season, and twice during the non-growing season. All PCG gardeners are invited to be part of the Committee or attend the meetings. The Committee is led by a volunteer Chair who serves as the point person for any garden questions or concerns. At present, the Committee and Chair are not elected positions and do not have formal bylaws. The PCG reserves the right to formalize procedures, as they deem appropriate. Please visit the PCA website www.plattevillearboretum.org/pcg.html for
more information about the Garden Committee and Chair.
PLOT AND SITE CARE: You are responsible for your own plot and for keeping the abutting path clear of debris. Garden plots should be cared for at least once a week. In order to maintain an orderly appearance, all plots must be cleared of large debris, or large plant debris must be broken up, by Closing Day (November 30th).
The responsibility for maintenance of plot throughout the season and cleanup of garden plots by Closing Day remains with the gardener assigned to the plot(s) without exception. If the plot has not been maintained or if the plot is not cleaned by Closing Day, the assigned gardener will be penalized by being moved to the bottom of the plot assignment priority list for the following year. Platteville Community Gardens accepts no responsibility for personal items or produce left in plots after 9 a.m. of Closing Day – November 30, 2009.
WEEDS: With so many gardeners in one location, invasive weeds, diseased plants and trash can be a nuisance to your garden neighbors. Using the Community Garden land is a privilege and keeping weeds under control is a responsibility of each gardener. If weeds are not kept under control in your plot, you will be contacted to come and clean them up. If weeds are not brought into control within three weeks of the first notification, PCG reserves the right to mow your plot or possibly give it to someone else.
ILLNESS/VACATION: If you are unable to care for your plot for a time because of illness or vacation, find someone to care for your plot in your stead or notify PCG Chair. If we cannot reach you and your garden is not maintained for three weeks, we may mow your plot or give it to someone else.
ABANDONED PLOTS: If you can no longer tend your garden, move away, or change your phone number or email address, notify PGC Chair. If your plot has not been planted a month after Opening Day (5/23/09), it may be reassigned.
ANNUAL REAPPLICATION NECESSARY: All gardeners must reapply to PCG each year.
REFUNDS: There are no refunds if you choose not to garden.
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Keep your plants within your own plot. If you grow plants 4 feet high or taller, plant them in the middle of your plot so your neighbor’s plot will not be shaded or ask your neighbor for permission to plant them on the edge. If you grow spreading plants, be sure there is room in your plot.
PATH CARE: Keep paths free of trash, rocks, weeds or anything that may interfere with mowing or trimming equipment.
TRASH: Please take home ALL trash (organic compost is not considered trash).
PROBLEM PLANTS: Do not plant jerusalem artichokes, mints (including catnip), Comfrey, horseradish, or other root plants that spread. They live through the winter and may be problems next year for you or someone else. Woody trees or shrubs, raspberry-like plants, and grapes are not permitted.
VANDALISM AND THEFT: PCG cannot patrol gardens to control vandalism and theft that may occur. Police can help only if they arrive while a person is stealing or destroying property. Theft applies not only to vegetables but to compost and any garden property such as tools. If you suspect someone of stealing, as a gardener, you have the right to confront them and tell them to leave. If you encounter a theft, please contact the PCG Chair.
COMPOST: Please help keep compost areas picked up, weeded and neat. COMPOST IS FOR GARDENERS ONLY. It is not for the general public or for home use.
MANURE: Use of well-composted or sterilized manure is allowed. Because of the risk of bacterial contamination (e.g., E. coli), fresh manure is only allowed if applied during the month of November and never should be applied near still viable crops. Please refer to the University of Wisconsin Extension publication entitled Safely Using Manure in the Garden for guidelines in the use of fresh manure
MULCH: Biodegradable mulch such as compost, leaves, straw, and hay are acceptable and encouraged. Carpet mulch, stone mulch, and wood chips are NOT allowed in garden plots. Remove any nonorganic mulch by Closing Day.
TOOLS: Communal hoses and a wheel barrel will be provided. Gardeners are personally responsible for providing any other tools they will need.
ROCKS AND STICKS: Don’t put rocks, sticks, or weeds in paths. Rocks in particular are dangerous for the person mowing.
WATER: Water must not be wasted. Turn off water after using it. Please inform the PCG Chair immediately if you notice a leak.
CHILDREN: Parents or accompanying adults are responsible for children. Teach your children the garden rules, especially to respect others’ plots and the water system.
PARKING: Do not drive on the grass. Parking is available at the garden plots.
HERBICIDES & PEST CONTROL: Gardeners in all sections at PCG are encouraged to employ their own organic pest and weed control methods. Synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are strictly prohibited in the organic sections.
PETS: Dogs are allowed in the Gardens area but they must be on leash. No dogs, leashed or unleashed are allowed in the actual plots themselves.
