Show All Answers

1. How much time should I expect to dedicate to my garden plot?

It can vary quite a bit depending on what you plant and the season, but the average is one to two hours per week with more time spent during the planting and growing seasons. Be efficient and weed while you water.

2. When are gardening hours?

Gardening hours are from dawn to dusk. The use of power equipment is restricted to the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

3. When is the gardening season?

For most gardeners, the growing season will be from April through October. Some gardeners will put in spring crops as early as February and others may have crops growing late into the fall or even winter. Year-round gardening is encouraged.

4. Are dogs allowed in the community gardens?

Yes. We love dogs, but they must be leashed at all times. They are not allowed to run through the garden or go into other garden plots. You must clean up after your pet and take any waste home.

5. Are children allowed in the community gardens?

Of course. Children are encouraged to garden with their parents, but please make sure they do not disturb other plots.

6. When should I start spring preparation and planting?

By May 15 your garden should be in the getting-started stage. Some getting started activities are:

• Pathway clean-up
  
• Weeding, planting, and edging weeds along borders
  
• Working the soil in preparation for planting

7. When is fall harvest and clean up required?

By October 31 fall clean up should be complete, this includes:

• Harvesting
• Pathway clean up
• Removing dead plants
• Storing equipment neatly in your plot or offsite
• Weeding, planting, and edging weeds along borders
• Winterize the plot: mulch, cover crop or other method of your choice

8. Is my garden plot fee refundable?

No. The garden registration fee you pay only partially covers the costs of operating Beaverton's Community Garden Program. If you give up your garden plot after you have registered, or if you fail to maintain your plot and it is transferred to another gardener, your plot fee will not be refunded.

9. How is vegetable theft handled?

While very uncommon, it can happen. Any gardener confirmed of taking vegetables, flowers, or supplies from another’s plot will have their garden privileges revoked. Gardeners are encouraged to harvest crops regularly to reduce the temptation of theft by others.

10. Who is responsible for getting rid of rodents and wild animals in the garden? What can I do to keep them out?

Rodents and other wild animals may be prevalent in the undeveloped area surrounding the various garden sites; it is the responsibility of the individual gardener to control these pests within their own garden space.

Maintaining an active plot is the #1 thing you can do to deter rodents. Regular harvest and cleanup will help reduce the problem of rodents. If you are composting on site please be sure to turn your compost regularly and do not add any meat or grains; only vegetable matter from your garden plot is allowed.

Non-permanent fencing is allowed, which can help deter some animals. Please keep in mind that fences may not cross garden pathways.

11. Can I use newspaper in my community garden plot?

Newspaper is not allowed as a mulching agent or weed barrier. Although this may be an acceptable practice in home-gardens, the city has received many complaints from other gardeners, and from area residents, about newspapers blowing around the area because they were not adequately covered up and maintained.

12. What resources does the city provide?

The city provides the garden space, hoses, water, yard debris service for garden waste and at least one delivery of soil amendment a year. The city may also provide wood chips for pathway maintenance.

13. Why is organic gardening required?

Organic gardening focuses on building healthy soil that can sustain healthy plants. Organic gardening encourages the natural balance between living organisms in the soil. It is also safer for pollinators, wildlife, pets and humans.

For more information on organic gardening please visit Metro’s Yard and Garden page, www.OregonMetro.gov/garden.