Community Garden
PARTICIPATION
Plot sizes/Annual Fee
Garden plots are available in three sizes: 10 x 10 feet for an annual fee of $20; 15 x 15 feet for $40, and 15 x 30 feet for $60.
Duke Farms also has an Accessible Garden area which conforms to current ADA standards. Individual garden beds on a paver patio rent for $20 each for the season and may be rented to individuals or groups. Please contact Nora DiChiara for more information.
UPDATE: Garden plot registration will open January 2.
Responsibilities
Each gardener is responsible for the maintenance and regular upkeep of their plot, including keeping the plot weed-free and harvesting ripe produce. The Duke Farms Community Garden is open all year, subject to weather, with water available on-site between March and October. Garden plots are offered in AS-IS condition and need to be prepared each season by the participating gardener using strictly organic amendments (NO chemical fertilizers or pesticides will be allowed). Gardeners will also be responsible for providing their own seeds or plants and must use their own garden tools to tend to their plots.
Participation Requirements
Gardeners are required to fulfill the following obligations annually in order to maintain membership in the Community Garden:
1. COMMUNICATION: Maintain a valid email address. This will be the primary form of communication between staff and gardeners. Gardeners also must join the Duke Farms Community Garden messaging system for emergency alerts and updates. Any changes in email are to be reported within 3 business days.
2. MAINTENANCE: Plots must be food-centric with at least 50% fruit/vegetable crops. Gardeners must comply with all maintenance expectations listed in the Duke Farms Community Garden Handbook. Surveys will be done weekly between April 15 and October 31. If a gardener receives a notice, they must address this issue within one week.
3. CONTINUING EDUCATION: Attend 1 environmental course of your choice through Duke Farms or another suitable vendor. Record title in your Online Garden Profile on the Community Garden membership page in order to receive credit. All gardeners are required to attend the Preseason Garden Meeting. NOTE: First-year gardeners must complete 3 courses total: Orientation, Intro to Organic Gardening (online) and 1 elective.
4. VOLUNTEER: Complete 4 hours of volunteer time at Duke Farms for your first garden plot, plus 1 hour for each additional plot. Record hours in your Online Garden Profile on the Community Garden webpage in order to receive credit.
5. CODE OF CONDUCT: Please be courteous in the garden at all times. You are expected to review all safety, security and conduct expectations as stated in the Duke Farms Community Garden Handbook.
By registering for membership in the Duke Farms Community Garden, you are acknowledging and will abide by:
- all guidelines expressed in the Participation Agreement
- the Duke Farms Community Garden Handbook
- all written ongoing communications stating guideline clarification or new guidelines.