New Market Grange No. 362 Community Garden Agreement and Rules

Rules and Regulations:

1. Plots will be available May 1 and cleaned up by December 1 with times being 8 am to Sunset 7 days a week.

2. Gardeners will be responsible for preparation, maintenance, and clean up of their rented plot.

3. Individual garden plots will be used for growing fruits, vegetables and herbs for personal use, not commercial sales. The growing of tobacco, marijuana, and other illegal substances are prohibited.

4. Invasive plants are not allowed in the garden. Information about invasive plants in Maryland can be found at http://www.mdinvasivesp.org/. Aggressive plants like mint must be grown in above-ground containers.

5. A maximum of 1 garden plot per family, unless additional plots are available.

6. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

7. Plots are non-transferable and all plots will be surrendered back to the New Market Grange at the end of the growing season.

8. Usage of fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides and herbicides (weed killers) is prohibited. Non chemical prevention is encouraged.

9. Plot holder is responsible for all maintenance and upkeep of their garden plot(s). This includes, but is not limited to, cultivating, weeding and watering on a weekly basis.

10. All garden plots are subject to inspections to see if any plots show inactivity. Plots that are not regularly weeded or maintained will be considered in violation of these Rules and Regulations. The Gardener in violation will receive an email requesting that the garden be brought into compliance. A second inspection will take place the following week. If the plot is still not in compliance, the plot will be surrendered and all monies forfeited.

11. Children are welcome, but are to be monitored and shall not be permitted to play in other Gardeners’ plots or outside of the community garden area (ie New Market Grange flower beds).

12. For safety and health reasons, smoking, alcohol, and glass containers are not allowed on New Market Grange property, this includes the community garden area. All animals must be kept on a leash.

13. No structures are permitted in the garden plots. Deer/pest fencing and plant supports are acceptable.

14. The use of biodegradable mulch is encouraged. Examples include aged compost, leaves, straw and hay. Carpet mulch, stone and sod are not permitted. Black or red plastic is allowed but must be secured.

15. Plots must be weeded and kept free of trash or other debris. Stones and other materials shall not be discarded on the surrounding walkways or parking area. No littering or dumping of kitchen garbage. The Community Gardens is a “carry in-carry out” facility.

16. Unauthorized expansion of your plot into adjoining plots or walkways is prohibited.

17.The gates in the Community Gardens shall remain closed at all times.

18.THE NEW MARKET GRANGE No. 362 AND ALL OTHER AFFILIATES ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE INCURRED BY REASON OF THEFT, LOSS, DAMAGE, OR DESTRUCTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY.

19. Plots will be tilled annually in April (weather permitting) by the New Market Grange.

20. No taking of fruits and/or vegetables from plots that are not yours.

21. The New Market Grange and affiliates will not provide any gardening equipment.

22. The New Market Grange will not provide water for the garden plots.

23. Park all motor vehicles in designated parking areas only.

24. At no time will vehicles be allowed to park on the grass at the New Market Grange. Limited vehicle usage on grassy areas for loading/unloading is permitted during that time-but once finished vehicles must be moved to the parking lot.