Rules and Regulations

2009 Emporia Community Garden Association (ECGA) Regulations

Note: All gardeners are responsible for knowing and abiding by these rules.
All references to a garden manager(s) are meant to include any member of the Emporia Community Garden Association Executive Board as well as any person(s) authorized or employed by the board. All references to gardeners mean the person(s) who has/have paid for plot rental and his/her household.

(1) Board of Directors: The board of directors is made up of 4 officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer) and 3 to 5 “at-large” positions. The board size will be between 7 and 9 members. All board members have voting rights.

This year's board:
President: Rachael LeClear, 341-1372, rachael.leclear@gmail.com
Vice-President: Cecil McKenzie, cecil@mckenzieglass.com
Secretary: Beth Henrikson, 794-3535, email@bethhenrikson.com
Treasurer: Shari Sippola, 481-9532, shari4@cableone.net
Members-at-large: John Crisp, jcrisp@tctelco.net; Stacey Thornton, staceonthewind247@yahoo.com, Susan Brinkman, jsibrinkman@yahoo.com

(2) Plot Sizes and number allowed: The plots will be approximately 15’x 18’. Currently 30 to 35 plots are available, with one plot for each gardener. If any plots are not taken by June 1, they will be offered to current plot holders at ½ price.

(3) Costs: The fee for each plot will be $20 for the season with a fee for water usage of $10 for each plot.

(4) Tilling: Pre- and post-season tilling is included in the plot fee. Any additional tilling for individual plots will be the responsibility of plot holders. Mid-season tilling services are available through ECGA for $5 per tilling per plot.

(5) Abandoned and Neglected Plots: Plots will be considered abandoned or neglected when physical appearance shows lack of care. The plots will be deemed abandoned or neglected at the discretion of the board. Plot holders will be notified by the board and plots will be forfeited in one week from time of notification if the plot is not cleaned up and put back into production.

(6) Plot ownership, transfer and subletting: Plots will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. Plots will be secured by payment of plot and water fees. Any plots not assigned by June 1st will be offered to members of the community garden at ½ price. No subletting is allowed. Transfer of plots from one individual to another requires a completed application from the new gardener.

(7) Weeds and Grass: Weeds and grass must be kept under control. Grass and weeds in walkways is the responsibility of the plot owners adjacent to the paths. Plants in your plot must be kept in the plot. No perennial grass is to be planted. Weeds and grass will not be allowed to go to seed.

(8) Water Usage: Plot holders will have access to water for their plots. There is no limit to water to be used, but water conservation is highly encouraged. If others are waiting to use the water, then there will be a 20 minute time limit. The use of soaker hoses and mulch will help us to conserve water. Gardeners must be present during watering.

(9) Paths and upkeep of paths: The paths around the plots are the responsibility of the plot owner. General maintenance of the paths will be done by the community garden members and board, but responsibility of upkeep lies with individual plot owners.

(10) Mulch: The use of mulch is encouraged for weed and moisture control. Mulch may be any organic or biodegradable materials. No plastic mulch is allowed unless first approved by the board and completely removed by the gardener by the end of the season.

(11) Compost and composting: Compost will be available from the Community Garden compost pile. All garden materials and crops that cannot be harvested should be composted or removed from the garden area. Any compost brought in to individual plots should be organic in nature and assumed to be free of chemicals and other additives.

(12) Equipment and Storage: A storage shed will be available for all garden participants. Hand tools and other equipment will be kept in the shed. Storage of personal tools is allowed, but remember that someone else may end up using your tools. All tools should be returned to the shed in clean condition. If tools need to be sharpened, fixed, or replaced, please notify a board member. ECGA is not responsible for any individual’s tools or other personal property.

(13) Organic Food Production: Only organic fertilizers and pesticides will be allowed in the garden. A list of various allowable fertilizers and pesticides is available to participants. Manure or other raw byproducts may not be used on individual plots during the growing season.

(14) Reasons for Possible Termination: No alcohol, drugs, or smoking allowed. Vandalism or destruction of community garden property or interference with others' growing plots will not be tolerated. Gardeners will have access to shared walkways and their own plots; please do not trespass on another's plot unless invited. Foul language at the garden is unacceptable. Gardeners under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Any of the mentioned violations can and will be reason for termination. Termination will be at the discretion of the board.

(15) Overall Plot Maintenance: The individual plots need to be kept neat and pleasing, adding to the overall quality of the garden. Debris and plant residue should be taken to the compost pile. For the benefit of everyone, gardeners should harvest their crops as soon as they are mature. Produce not harvested at the proper time becomes attractive to nuisance insects and rodents, and invites theft. No growing of castor beans. At the end of the season, plots must be cleared of all debris and be ready for tilling.