Garden Guidelines
Below are the guidelines to outline expectations as a member of the Riverdale Community Garden. Violating any of these rules will result in garden membership and gardening privileges being revoked. If the violation has not been remedied to the satisfaction of the Community Garden Coordinator then the gardeners’ membership will be retracted without refund or compensation.
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1. We are an inclusive, non-discriminatory, community organization that demonstrates ally ship with underrepresented and marginalized groups. There is a zero tolerance policy for any person or member of the group who engages in homophobia, racism, discrimination, oppression, white supremacy, bullying, ostracization, sexism, ageism, anti-religious hate, hate speech, or any other form of violence.
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2. There is to be no foul language (directed at another or in general liaising) within the garden.
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3. No alcohol, illegal substances, or smoking (cigarettes, cannabis, or vaping) will be consumed within garden premises.
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4. No theft or misuse of garden tools, accessories, or anothers produce. Any borrowed items are to be returned to the shed after each garden session.
5. All children MUST be supervised in the garden and no running is allowed. No small children in garden premises, during machinery operation please. This is for your child’s safety as there may be dangerous tools (e.g. lawn mower, clippers, weed wacker, etc.) in use at any time.
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6. Pets must remain on leash in the garden.
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7. The garden is open dawn to dusk, seven days a week. Gardening activities must take place during daylight hours.
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8. If a plot is unplanted by June 1st, or appears messy and unattended without the gardener contacting the Community Garden Coordinator with an acceptable reason, then the plot will be deemed abandoned and will be
reassigned. The gardener will have no claim of damages for such reassignment. If the member plans to discontinue the plot they must contact the Community Garden Coordinator so the plot can be reassigned, collectively managed or cleared by the gardener before leaving.
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9. Proper footwear is to be worn in the garden e.g. closed toe shoes.
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10. Each member/volunteer is responsible for the care of your assigned plot. Help is always available, just ask the Community Garden Coordinator. Members must try to contain growth inside their assigned bed and must not plant toxic or harmful plants or conduct operations in their member plots which can influence other member plots including over shadowing or over watering. All members/volunteers will be expected to help with season closing and clean up.
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11. Gardeners must inform the Community Garden Coordinators of any changes to their contact information.
12. If the gardener plans to discontinue use of the plot, they must contact the Community Garden Coordinator so the plot can be reassigned, collectively managed or cleared by the gardener before leaving.
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13. Sale of produce is not permitted. Should you find yourself with excess produce, please share with friends, family or other gardeners. Donating excess produce is the best idea but not mandatory.
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14. Use of chemical herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, pesticides and fertilizers are not permitted. Only integrated pest management, companion planting, diatomaceous Earth.
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15. Weeds need to be controlled so as to not spread noxious, allergic or invasive species. Diatomaceous Earth, and insecticidal soaps may be used for pest control. Only compost and composted manures may be used in soil conditioning and fertilization.
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16. Gardeners must use recycling and trash containers for refuse. If none are available, take your trash home with you. Each gardener is responsible for picking up and disposing of any visible trash in and around our community garden.
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17. Members to provide their own seeds, seedlings, bulbs, trellises etc.
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18. Planting tall crops has to be planned. Please contact Garden Coordinator for instruction before planting any crops over 5 feet tall.
19. All taps are to be turned off after each gardening session and the main water connection located in the shed must be turned off as well. Hoses are to be put neatly back in place. Ensure the shed and gate are locked upon exiting.