NEW GARDENER FAQ
Hello and welcome to our community garden!
We invite you to make the most of this unique space by treating it like your own backyard and filling your plots with delicious food and beautiful flowers. We hope you discover that rare magic of living in a big city and growing your own vegetables, but most of all, we want this project to be a source of relaxation and fun!
Here is a brief FAQ to read through before getting started:
1) How do I join? Currently accepting waitlist, see on garden website.
2) Who can join the garden? Anyone! We aim to create an accessible, welcoming space for all community members to participate.
3) What does it mean to 'join' the Granville & 7th Temporary Community Garden? Each new gardener can sign up to use 1-3 garden bed(s) to grow food and flowers. Each bed is 4' x 3.3', offering 13 sq. ft. of growing space/bed. The cost of using each garden bed is $15/year/bed. This includes: access to great soil in a raised bed, water access (garden hoses) and monthly emails and updates. Please let us know if the annual Garden Fees are restrictive; we aim to create an accessible growing space for all community members.
4) How long will the garden last? In short: one growing season at a time. We take each year growing season by growing season, and we'll be sure to let any gardeners know about future plans for the property beyond winter of 2019.
Any more questions, please contact: garden@communitygardenbuilders.com
MORE NEW GARDENER FAQ
What does ‘temporary’ mean?
We have a land-use agreement with the landowner to make use of the site on an interim, temporary timeline. We can’t guarantee the future of the garden beyond this date, but we can guarantee that we’ll do everything possible to keep the garden in place for years to come. We take things growing season-by growing season. The projects are temporary and the gardens will be removed/relocated.
When can I start gardening?
Right away! The garden is always unlocked, although we ask that you keep your visits to the site during daylight hours.
Where can I read the Garden Rules & Gardener Agreement?
Both the Garden Rules and Gardener Agreement can be read and downloaded here.
When is the deadline for paying my garden fees?
We ask for $15/bed for the growing season. We’ll have an official Meet & Greet event in April to welcome everyone to the site, and this will serve as our payment deadline for the current growing season. If you’re joining us later than April, your garden fee is due ASAP. Technically, the annual garden fees cover Jan 1 to Dec 31.
How does it work with water?
You will find a simple On/Off switch on the cedar garden shed in the middle of the site. Simply turn the switch to ‘On’ and the hose will pressurize with water. When you’re finished watering, make sure to turn the switch to ‘Off.’ Note that we turn the water off for the winter months.
Are there tools in the garden shed?
Yes. We have some basic tools for public use in the cedar garden shed. The shed combo is: 000.
What about green waste?
Any plant waste you generate (like clippings, roots, or weeds) can be placed in the Green Waste box. Please keep household compost and/or garbage out of the box, as well as big, heavy clumps of soil. We will remove the green waste every few weeks.
What are these plants doing in my beds?
There are likely to be leftover plants in your bed from the previous gardener. You can either keep the plants that are in your beds or dig them out and place them in the Green Waste box.
Am I required to volunteer my time to the garden?
Not at all. Unlike many community gardens, there are no requirements for volunteering. Our biggest ask is that you tend to your garden beds regularly; too often we see beds go untended and without watering, especially during the summer months. Growing space in Vancouver is a rare gift, and we hope you value it just as much as we do. (And if you discover gardening isn’t for you, no worries! Just let us know so that we can allocate your beds to a gardener on our wait list.)
Can I drive right into the garden?
No. If you’re required to drive to the garden, we ask that you park on a nearby street. Thanks for your understanding!
Who do I get in touch with if I see something out of place at the garden?
Any and all concerns about the site or your experience on the site should be sent my way: garden@communitygardenbuilders.com. For garden emergencies, please make use of our phone number: 778-381-8337. And be sure to look out for our monthly Garden Newsletter in your inbox. These little ditties are our way of communicating important garden information and updates, as well as growing advice and seasonal recipes. Let me know if you’re not receiving them!
Any more questions, please contact: garden@communitygardenbuilders.com
