Grow Regina Community Garden Guidelines
Purpose of the Guidelines is to ensure gardeners have a positive gardening experience and to maintain the high standards required by Grow Regina. Read these guidelines when applying for a plot.
Above Ground Structures: Grow Regina Structure Approval Request
– Structures built to enhance a garden site are to be removed at the end of the growing season.
– All structures must be solid, safe and secure and must not impact other gardens / gardeners.
– A request to the Board to not remove the structure at the end of the season is an option. The Grow Regina Board will assess each request individually and grant permission on a case by case basis. The Board decision is final.
Communication: Contact Grow Regina through the website
– Keep informed by visiting our website
– E-mails will also be used to keep gardeners current with pertinent information.
– The Annual General Meeting is held each spring prior to the growing season where attendees can learn about the garden and ask questions they may have.
Dogs:
– Since the garden is a City of Regina Park, local residents and gardeners can use the pathways to walk their dogs while transiting the garden area.
– Gardeners are not to bring their dogs while tending their plots.
Dos and Don’ts:
– Do report any maintenance issues Contact Grow Regina
– Do volunteer when asked and make the gardening experience better by helping a neighbour in need.
– Don’t remove any lumber or other materials from the north side of the north shed.
– Don’t remove soil or crusher dust from piles unless given permission to do so.
Fall Clean-up:
– At the end of the growing season a large composting bin is available for gardeners to dispose of their green waste.
– No non-compostable items are to be placed in the bin.
– All above ground vegetation must be removed from the plot(s) by the Thanksgiving Day Holiday.
– Perennial plants, those that return year after year, must be cut down to ground level.
– At season’s end only soil must be visible on the plot. All materials must be removed from the Grow Regina garden area.
Garden Allocation: The Garden
– All gardeners must apply each year.
– Returning gardeners have the first opportunity to reapply for the plot(s) occupied the previous year. A request for a change of plot will be considered depending on availability.
– New gardeners will be offered plots of a maximum size of 10 feet by 20 feet, if available, on a first come first served basis.
– New gardeners will be put on a waiting list if demand exceeds the number of plots available.
– Each gardener must submit their own application. As per Grow Regina Bylaws, up to two additional memberships may be purchased on the yearly garden application.
-Groups such as schools or other community organizations who wish to apply for garden space should email grow Regina. These requests will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the board.
– Garden plots are not transferable and may not be sublet.
– Produce grown is for personal use only
Gardening Season:
– Gardens are granted from May until the Thanksgiving Day Holiday.
– No rights to a plot are extended beyond the current growing season and must be reapplied for the next spring.
Garden Tools: Tools and More
– Hand tools and wheelbarrows are available at both the north and south sheds.
– Clean and return items to the sheds after use and do not remove from the Grow Regina area.
– Leave broken tools on the steps of the sheds for repair or replacement.
Garden Waste: Garden compost bins
– Green Bins are provided throughout the growing season as part of the annual fees.
– Only plant material is to be placed in these bins – NO GARBAGE.
– Gardeners may take plant material to another site for composting or may join the Grow Regina Composting Group.
– Don’t overfill the small “roll-away” green bins. Gardeners should roll these bins to the Queen Street sidewalk on pick-up day to assist the Board in this function.
Inspections: The Garden
– Inspections will take place on a regular basis to reduce the number of neglected or abandoned garden plots and paths.
– Gardeners will be contacted if these guidelines are not being followed and will have two weeks to meet the standards.
– Failure to correct the deficiencies will result in a notice of loss of right to the assigned plot(s).
Mulch: How to Mulch
– Mulch is used to conserve soil moisture, improve fertility, increase the health of the soil and reduce weeds.
– Grow Regina approved mulch material: compost, leaves, grass clippings and cardboard.
– Grow Regina unapproved mulch material: straw, wood chips and materials containing weeds.
Neglected Gardens: What if I need help?
-From time to time a gardener is unable to continue the proper maintenance of a garden please Contact Grow Regina at the earliest convenience so that we can decide what is the best course of action. We want to avoid abandoned gardens that require effort to return to a productive state.
Orchard Allocation: The Orchard
– All allocated orchard trees and bushes require an annual fee to cover the cost of water and other maintenance needs. They will be considered surrendered and available for others to apply for if the application has not been received before the 30th June.
Parking:
– Parking is available on Queen Street or in the St. Mark’s Church parking lot.
– No parking in church lot on Sundays from 8 am to 4 pm and during funerals.
– Remove any debris or mud from shoes and containers before entering the church parking lot.
Planting Restrictions: Planting Restrictions
– Not allowed in garden plots are plants such as: bushes, woody perennials, shrubs, trees and horseradish.
– Keep spreading plants such as squash and cucumbers within the plot boundaries.
– Position tall plants such as corn and sunflowers where they will not shade other garden plots.
– Control plants such as dill from spreading by harvesting before the seeds start scattering.
Raised Accessible Garden Boxes: Accessible Gardens
– To make best use of the new Farm Credit Canada accessible garden boxes. Do not trespass on the adjoining plots. Use the tools provided to tend to the raised box.
Vehicles:
– No personal vehicles are allowed within the garden area.
– Bicycles and strollers are allowed on the paths.
Water: How much should I water?
– Water is supplied to gardeners as part of the plot fees and makes up Grow Regina’s biggest expense.
– Regina’s gumbo clay holds water very well, so excessive use of water is not required.
– One good watering a week promotes root growth and is better for all plants.
– Only hand nozzles are permitted and are not provided by Grow Regina.
– Report any leaky taps or other water leaks immediately to eliminate wasted water and damage to plots and paths.
– Hoses are expensive so after use must be coiled on their hangers free of kinks.
Weed and Pest Control: Pesticide Free Gardening
– The City of Regina mandates that NO pesticides or herbicides are to be used.
– Garden inspections happen regularly. Gardeners will be contacted if their plot(s) or paths need attention.
– All gardeners with plots adjacent to pathways and roads must remove weeds to a distance of two and a half feet from their cribbing.
– Failure to comply could result in the forfeiture of fees and withdrawal of access to the plot.
– Weeds in pathways are easier to remove immediately after a rain when the crusher dust material is not as hard packed.
Approved by the board December 2019
Grow Regina Community Garden 