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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 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. What should I do if something in my plot or garden has been stolen or damaged or there’s an emergency?

While very uncommon, it can happen. To report theft, vandalism, or an afterhours water leak, please contact non-emergency police at 503-629-0111. If you feel that you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If a water leak occurs during normal business hours, please call Public Works at 503-526-2220. After calling the appropriate number for any reason, please notify the garden program, as well.

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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.