Operating Rules and Regulations

I. Garden Season Permits

a. Garden Season Permits for the Maplewood Community Garden ("MCG") shall be issued by the Township of Maplewood for the use of individual Garden Plots for one annual planting season.  Permits shall be issued by the completion of a registration application and payment of all fees. The 2011 Garden Season Permit fee shall be $40.

b. All Garden Season Permit holders shall pay, together with their registration application, a security deposit, which shall be refunded after the close of the Garden Season, if the registrant's Garden Plot is cleared of all plant material and debris, and all issued keys are returned. The 2011 Garden Season Deposit shall be $25.

II. Planting Season & Hours

a. The Garden planting season shall be May 1st – November 1st.

b. Garden operating hours shall be 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday – Sunday.

c. All Gardeners are required to participate in two out of three scheduled group work days during the Garden Season.

III. Garden Plots

a. Garden Plots shall be five (4) feet by ten (12) feet raised beds with affixed perimeters.

b. Garden Plots shall be assigned by random lottery drawing approximately two (2) weeks after registration applications are due each year.

c. Plots are to be weeded and planted within two (2) weeks of the opening of the Garden or Plot assignment, whichever comes later. Plots are to be maintained for the entire season by the individual Gardeners.

d. Gardeners shall ensure plots remains free of trash, dead plants and trellises. ??e. Gardeners shall please notify, in writing, the MCG Executive Committee of any inability to maintain a Plot.

IV. Garden Conduct & Etiquette

a. All members must maintain good conduct and civil behavior at all times.

b. Children are welcome and encouraged in the Garden, with parental supervision. Anyone under 18 shall require parental permission to garden.

c. No dogs, cats, or other animals shall be allowed in the Garden. 

d. Smoking is prohibited in or near the Garden.

e. All trash shall be placed in an appropriate receptacle located on site.

f. Please only contribute organic materials to the compost pile on site.

g. Gardeners are highly encouraged to help work the two (2) Community Garden Plots that will supply produce to local families and seniors in need.  The MCG will have a system in place to facilitate these donations on a regular basis throughout the Garden Season. 

h. Please harvest your plants in due time. Each Gardener is encouraged to contribute any excess harvested to the MCG group donations.

i. Gardeners and visitors should not enter another Gardener's Plot unless that other Gardener has granted explicit permission to do so.

V. Plants & Tools

a. To ensure that the Garden remains organic, all soil, pesticides, and mulch shall be pre-approved by the MCG Executive Committee.

b. Only plants approved by the MCG Executive Committee shall be permitted.

c. Basic plant support, e.g. basic tomato cages and stakes, are perfectly acceptable so long as they do not exceed a height of 5 feet.

d. Gardeners are strongly encouraged to use mulch to conserve water and reduce weeds.

e. Gardeners shall refrain from using tires and structures that retain or allow standing water.

f. Tools and equipment of the MCG should not be removed from the Garden area and should be stored in the shed after each use.

g. The Garden gates and sheds must remain locked; all tools and equipment returned to their respective places; and water must be turned off and hoses stored.

VI. Grievances

a. Gardeners should direct all grievances to the MCG Executive Committee if they are unable to resolve them with other Gardeners.???Violation of the above Operating Rules and Regulations may result in action, up to and possibly including revocation of the Garden Season Permit and forfeiture of plants and supplies within the individual's Garden Plot.