On this page:
- I want to join the garden! Help?
- When does the garden open and close for the season?
- What are the garden hours?
- How do I connect with my garden community?
- When do I have to have my plants in?
- Can I have a second plot?
- There’s a plot abandoned near me, can I take it over?
- How do I earn my service hours?
- I have an idea for a project, what’s the first step?
- What is the compost situation?
- How does the irrigation system work?
- Are there any plants I’m not allowed to grow?
- Can I use pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers?
- Can I use soil amendments?
- Can I add structural elements to my plot?
- Will someone maintain the area surrounding my plot?
- Can I donate something to the garden?
- What is our USDA Hardiness zone?
- Is that a weed or a friendly plant growing in my garden?
I want to join the garden! Help?
How do you get a plot? How much does it cost? Visit the New Members page for all the basic info.
When does the garden open and close for the season?
The garden officially opens the second Saturday of May, which will include a Garden Workday.
The garden closes for the season on the second Saturday of November. All members must have their plots cleared by this date.
What are the garden hours?
Dawn to dusk.
How do I connect with my garden community?
Attend work days! You’ll meet leads and other gardeners and learn the jobs that keep the garden running.
Attend happy hours and social events! These are announced on Facebook, the garden blog, and the garden’s Google Calendar (along with other garden events like work days and meetings).
Join the Facebook group!
If you want to share produce, ask for help watering or weeding, or for general help or advice, post a message in the Facebook group or on the white board next to the central shed in the garden. Include your plot number so folks know where to find you!
If you have an idea for a social gathering, email your idea to the garden email. The social team would be happy to help you set it up.
When do I have to have my plants in?
There is no official deadline for planting, but you should have your plot cleaned up by June 1 and maintain it throughout the season. Garden Leads will monitor plots throughout the season. If a plot is not maintained, if weeds have gone to seed, or if it appears to be abandoned, a garden lead will contact the gardener.
Can I have a second plot?
Second plots are distributed at the beginning of the gardening season to returning gardeners after all gardeners have been assigned a plot. All the details for distributing second plots are in the Garden Policy. You can ask for a second plot when you register in the winter.
There’s a plot abandoned near me, can I take it over?
The process for abandoned plots is in the Garden Policy. After June 1, abandoned plots are turned into community plots. If you’re concerned about an abandoned plot, contact the garden email. The Community Plot lead will follow up with the gardener.
How can I earn my service hours?
You can earn service hours by signing up for and attending the biweekly garden work days, completing projects, or joining a team (mowing, fruit, social).
I have an idea for a project, what’s the first step?
Outline your idea (what is it, what does it involve, what’s the cost and labor required, how long will it take, etc.). Send these details to the garden email or talk to an officer or lead at a work day or garden meeting. If you can lead the project from start to finish, all the better!
What is the compost situation?
The garden may receive an allotment of compost or mulch each year, though this is not guaranteed. If available, they will be located in the center of the garden and will be labeled. Mulch (wood chips) and compost are for garden use only and should not be taken home for personal use. Please be respectful of other gardeners and only use your share.
How does the irrigation system work?
The water is turned on for the gardening season around May 15 and shut off around October 15 by the Water Lead working with the City of Minneapolis Water. During this gardening period (May – October), the water is assessable to each gardener by opening the water valve in the water hutch and watering plots from spigots in the plot areas. CAUTION: This valve in the hutch and spigots must not be left open when the last gardener leaves the garden. The water service is paid for by the membership annual fees.
Are there any plants I’m not allowed to grow?
The Garden Policy outlines the types of plants that are prohibited at the garden. Contact any lead if you wish to understand the purpose for restricting these items.
Can I use pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers?
WPCG is an organic garden. No pesticides or herbicides are allowed. Weeds and pests should be removed by hand, and prevented by mulching or other non-chemical methods. Natural fertilizers 10-10-10 or less may be used. Dry fertilizer must be mixed or covered with dirt, peat moss, compost or organic matter.
Can I use soil amendments?
Community compost may be available throughout the season. You are encouraged to add your own soil amendments to your plot, but it must be organic and of good quality (so as not to introduce disease or other pests into the garden).
Can I add structural elements to my plot?
Gardeners may alter the structure of their plot within the already existing borders. Examples may include sectioning off parts of the plot, adding climbing plant support or decorative elements, and terracing the plot.
WPCG may offer assistance for terracing plots. If you are interested in terracing, send and email to wpccngmember@gmail.com.
Will someone maintain the area surrounding my plot?
The Mowing Lead will coordinate maintenance of larger shared community areas and the major walkways. Walkways in between plots and fence areas will need to be maintained by individual members neighboring those areas.
Can I donate something to the garden?
If you’re donating plants or seeds, put a note on the garden white board or in the Facebook group. If it’s something larger, contact the garden email before dropping something off. All bigger donations need to be finalized by the president.
What is our USDA Hardiness zone?
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. We are in Zone 4B.
Is that a weed or a friendly plant growing in my garden?
For a list of common weeds you’ll see in the garden, check out What’s that Weed?