Learn the etiquette expected in community gardens | HGTV Gardens

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If you?re itching to grow your own food but have been held back by a too-small yard or less-than-ideal conditions, you may want to consider signing up for a community garden plot. The community garden has grown in popularity recently as part of the local-foods and farm-to-table movement, and may be available at a local college, via your city?s parks and recreation department, or even through a private party.

But before you jump in with both feet, remember that the success of the community garden model depends on all the gardeners working together with respect and care. While each community garden will have its own set of rules, there are a few basic etiquette guidelines to keep in mind.

• Keep It In Check: Plant only crops you have the time and skills to control. Avoid invasive species like mint, which could take over your entire plot plus your neighbors?.
• Stay Inside The Lines: Make sure to plant within your plot?s markers. Encroaching on your neighbor?s space isn?t very neighborly.
• Keep It Neat: You may not be growing food there, but the walkway around your plot is your responsibility. Keep it weeded and tidy. If there are community tools, hoses, etc, for you to use; treat them with care and respect.
• Grow Something: Sounds obvious, right? But many community gardens have specific rules against ?harvesting? soil from plots. Bottom line: Part of being a polite community gardener is growing a garden!
• Watch The Kids: Keep a close eye on little ones and don?t let them trample on neighboring plots (or take any of the bounty!) Same goes for pets, if they?re allowed (many gardens don?t allow pets, so be sure to check.)
• No Chemicals: Most community gardens have specific rules against using pesticides, fertilizers, or other kinds of chemicals on your plot. Remember that whatever you use on your plot affects all your fellow gardeners.

Have you participated in a community garden? Are there any rules of etiquette you would add to this list?

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