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COMMUNITY GARDEN RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. The hours of operation are dawn to dusk. No one is allowed to be in the garden before or after
these times.
2. Plots are non-transferable. All plots will be surrendered back to the City of College Park at the
end of the season. Fees are non-refundable. At the start of a new season, priority will be given to
previous year plot holders to renew their plot reservation for the new season.
3. Gardeners must be residents of the City of College Park at all times.
4. Plots must be in a cultivated state within one month of the official opening date of the garden and
be cleared of all debris by December 1st.
5. Garden plots are to be used for growing fruits, vegetables and flowers for personal use only and
not for commercial sales.
6. Plots are received as-is. Tilling is the responsibility of each gardener and is not provided by the
City.
7. Gardeners should visit and maintain their plots at least once a week. Gardeners are responsible
for cultivating, weeding, and watering their own plots and maintaining the surrounding paths. If
you will be out of town or on vacation, please arrange to have a fellow gardener watch over your
space.
8. All gardens are subject to occasional inspections. If the garden is not in compliance with the
guidelines, an email notice will be sent by the garden master. Two weeks later, another inspection
will be performed. If the garden is still not in compliance, the garden master will notify the City
garden coordinator. Two weeks following this notice, the plot will be subject to forfeiture and
must be surrendered at the discretion of City staff. Fees will not be refunded.
9. Fertilizers may be used on garden plots, however, pesticides are not allowed in the garden.
Organic ways to control insects and diseases should be used as necessary - the garden master
can provide advice.
10. Family members and guests are welcome to the garden site. Plot holder must agree to
accompany all guests and understand that he/she is responsible for their actions.
11. Crops and structures over six feet tall are not allowed due to the shadow effect they will cast on
neighbor’s plots. No interior (plot perimeter) fences are allowed.
12. Biodegradable mulch is encouraged. Examples include: aged compost, leaves, straw, and hay.
Carpet mulch, stone, newspaper, cardboard and sod are not allowed. Black plastic is allowed but
must be secured.
13. Plot boundaries should be kept weeded and trash free, including the pathways on all sides of
your plot.
14. No permanent structures are allowed. All temporary structures must have written approval of City
staff.
15. No invasive or illegal plants are allowed. Plants like mint should be grown in containers. A list of
invasive plants can be found at: http://www.mdinvasivesp.org/
16. Littering or dumping is not allowed. The garden is a carry-in and carry-out facility and should
remain trash free. Compost bins are for plant waste only. No dumping or kitchen garbage is
allowed.
17. Pets, smoking, alcohol, and glass containers are not allowed.
