Participating in a Community Garden

Community gardening requires work beyond tending to your plot, every gardener is asked to participate to the best of his or her ability in the management and upkeep of the Garden.

Gardening Organically

Summit Community Gardens is committed to organic gardening and requires the same from our gardeners. The use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides is not allowed. A garden plot is a commitment of time and constant effort. You should expect to spend 2-3 hours a week during the season.

Maintaining Your Garden Plot

Our goal is to create a space for all to garden together. In an attempt to keep the Garden well maintained, we have instituted a new policy. Please take time to read our maintenance policy for 2025:

  • Week of June 8th: Plots should be ready for planting by the end of this week. This includes removal of weeds and other plant matter, working the soil with a broadfork (ask Garden Manager for more info) and adding soil amendments, sowing and transplanting, and more.

  • If there is no activity in your plot by June 17th, an email notice will be sent out to check in with you.

  • If there is no activity in your plot by July 1st, we will unfortunately have to pass the plot to the next person on the waitlist. Plot rental fees will not be refunded in this situation.

  • If any plot is unmaintained for 2 weeks or more, SCG-EATS may reabsorb the plot and pass it on to the waitlist. We will send an email notice prior to reassigning the plot. 

Reserving and Renewing Your Garden Plot

  • Assignment of garden plots is first-come, first served. The standard plot will be approximately 4’ by 16’.

  • Community gardeners must volunteer a minimum of 8 hours each season. If you cannot make this commitment, you can purchase a “Volunteer Buyout”.

  • Gardeners who maintain their plots, volunteer, and abide by community norms may renew their same plot for the following season.

Benefits and Rewards

You can look forward to fresh, organically grown veggies in your own garden! You will also have the opportunity to learn about your community, make new friends, connect with nature, learn new gardening skills, participate in garden events, and community education classes. There are also opportunities to volunteer for our Food Farmacy program and ensure families in need have access to fresh produce.