Nimmo Community Garden Plot Rules

Start of Season

1. Plots must be worked (cleared of cover crop, tilled/turned, composted and prepared for planting) by the annually established Prep Day (normally mid-March). Date depends on availability of mushroom compost.
2. Plots must be planted by the third weekend in May.  If it is not, we will follow up to find out why and if you want to forfeit the plot to the next person on the waitlist.
3. No permanent changes can be made to the plot, such as adding watering system, raised beds or structures without permission from the Advisory Group.
4. Planting any trees, shrubs or bushes require advance approval. This includes non-herbaceous plant material that does not die to the ground every winter.
5. Plants must be contained to plot interior so pathways stay clear. Plant at least 1 foot away from plot perimeter to maintain pathways during the growing season. (Depending on what you plant this may need to be more)
6. Be mindful of placing tall crops (such as sunflowers, okra and corn) and structures so they will not shade a neighbor’s plot.
7. Restrictions: No invasive plants. Invasive plants quickly spread outside of their normal range. They quickly take over their environment and spread. Once established, they are difficult to remove. Examples: all Mints, Lemon Balm, Bee Balm, Oregano. If you want them in your plot, they must be contained in a pot that is then sunk in the ground.
8. Marijuana plants can not be grown at the community garden. (It is illegal to have them publicly viewable.)

Soil Amendments/Remediation:

1. Mushroom compost is included in plot fee. Compost should be applied 3-4 weeks before planting. It is locally sourced usually from Jack Frost Landscape Center or Four Seasons.
2. No non-organic herbicides or pesticides allowed. Nimmo Garden follows organic practices to be good stewards of God’s earth. Let us know what fertilizers if any you would like to use.

Maintenance Expectations

1. Plots must be worked regularly and kept in good order. This means weeded (both plot, plot border and surrounding pavers) and harvested. We ask you to commit to tending it at least once per week (5 hours minimum).
2. Plots must be mulched to prevent weeds. Wheat straw is included in the plot fee. No landscape fabric in the plots. Weeds grow up through it making it difficult to remove, and it damages tillers.
3. Paved pathway around your plot is your responsibility. Remove weeds carefully by hand; no herbicide or scraping pavers as it will damage them.
4. Diseased plants must be pulled, bagged and disposed of. This must be bagged and taken home to dispose of. No diseased plants in the compost kiosk .
5. Weeds and debris must be removed from your plot immediately. If you are not using the compost kiosk, they must be taken home. No bags in the compost containers. If you bagged it, empty the bag into the container.  Absolutely no dumping around or behind the kiosk. No organic material in the black city trash cans.
6.  Water is available from several water spigots and hoses throughout the Community Garden, and from the rain barrel near the shed. When finished, make sure to put the spigot down (off) and roll up hose neatly. Take care when moving the hose to not damage neighboring plots. Water carefully so you don’t water neighbor’s plot or waste water.
   Report all leaks as soon as possible to the Advisory Group at [email protected].
   Follow the community gardens hose etiquette.
7. If you cannot tend your plot for a period of time, find someone to care for it in your absence. Advise the Advisory Group how long you will be away and provide contact information for who will care for it.

Compostable Material

1. Compostable material can only be disposed of in the Compost Kiosk.
2. There is small set up fee of $25 and $10 monthly fee to use this service.
3. A passcode will be given to you if you sign up. Do not share the passcode with anyone.
4. If you are a plot member, you are not required to sign up for this. If you do not though, ALL compost from your plot must be taken home and disposed of.
5. ABSOLUTELY NO compostable material can go in the black city trash cans at the front of the Giving Garden
6. More about the Compost Kiosk and updates can be found here.

Plot Expectations Not Met

1. Please abide by these garden rules and regulations, and our timelines of prepping, planting and cleanup. (Prep Day, Opening Day or Clean-Up Day) Otherwise we will contact you to remind you.
2. If you do not maintain your plot based on these rules and guidelines, you may not be invited to come back next season.

End of Season

1. Plots must be cleaned up by the annually scheduled Clean-Up Day (normally mid-October). This includes removing and bagging all plant and non-plant materials (string, wire, wood, metal and garden decorations). Any and all debris must be removed from the garden and church grounds and disposed of by the plot holder.
2. This timing enables planting of a cover crop for winter (seed provided by the Community Garden in your plot rental fee.) Returning plot holders must have a plan for covering plot to prevent weeds over the winter.
3. If you want to Fall/Winter garden, you still need to prepare  your plot for winter. This includes completely weeding the plot and covering with cardboard/straw or cover crop in any areas that are not planted. Once your Winter crop is done, OR frost kills it, you need to remove the plants and cover any exposed area. Read here why we require this.
4. Plot holders that do not plan to return still must clear the plot and remove all structures.

Plot Holder Relations – Love Your Neighbor

1. Do not touch or modify another person’s plot without their express permission. This includes harvesting ripe produce.
2. Communicate with neighboring plot holders to work out borders, weed and plant size issues. Be mindful of placing tall crops (such as sunflowers, okra and corn) and structures so they will not shade another plot.
3. Help each other with watering and harvesting when you will be away.
4. Share extra produce with the Nimmo Garden Food Pantry. Drop off at Giving Garden when work groups are in session or contact [email protected].
5. Share extra flowers with the Blessing Ministry, which delivers bouquets to people each month. Contact Carol at [email protected]

Safety

1. Please supervise children in the garden so they do not damage plants in other plots. Children can visit the Giving Garden with parent supervision. Keep children away from General Booth Boulevard as it is a busy street. Be respectful and stay out of the church cemetery.
2. Keep your cell phone with you at all times. There have been injuries and potential heat stroke situations where people were alone and did not have phones handy.
3. Smoking and chewing tobacco are not allowed because they can transmit a lethal virus to tomatoes and have toxins.
4. Only garden during daylight hours. Consider gardening in pairs.
5. If you bring your furry friend to the garden, please remember Virginia Beach laws apply. Keep dogs leashed and under your control at all times; keep them out of other people’s plots. Pick up waste to prevent potential plant disease from dog feces.
6. Report all damage, broken equipment, water problems, vandalism or unusual activities immediately to the Advisory Group ([email protected]).
7. Read our Emergency Process for injuries, water and theft/vandalism.

When you rent a plot, you are agreeing to abide by these rules.