We started out like this.......
....but with hard work, cooperation and patience.....
.....by September, we had created this!
Midvale elementary school in the background.
Information for Midvale Gardeners
"Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration."
- Lou Erickson
2008 Midvale Garden Season
2008 registration materials are available here. Please see the events page for the 2008 garden calendar..
Gardener feedback
The Midvale Garden Committee oversees all aspects of the garden. It is our goal to use this webpage to keep gardeners informed about the Committee's current efforts. Because this garden is new to all of us, we expect our gardeners to actively communicate with us about any suggestions, questions or concerns you may have. We fully expect this Committee (and garden) to evolve in response to those. Click here to contact either of the coordinators by email. Also, during the gardening season, we will have a clip board available in the garden where you can write in comments, questions or observations.
Garden Rules
Safety:
- The Gardens should be a safe place for the community, children and other gardeners. Do not bring anything to the Gardens that will compromise their safety
- Do not put tools or other impediments in the common pathways
Gardener responsibilities:
- You are responsible for your own plot and for four hours of volunteer work by contributing to the upkeep of the whole garden on Work Days (unless you choose the no Work Day option and pay an extra $25 per plot). Failure to fulfill your Work Day requirements will result in the forfeiture of your plot for next year.
- You are also responsible for the stewardship of a small area within the Midvale School Garden (approximately 4x4). This responsibility includes weeding, watering and harvesting produce from your assigned area within the School Garden. All rules contained herein regarding the tending and care of your Garden plot apply to your assigned School Garden area as well.
- If you decide not to use your plot, please contact the Registrar so that it may be reassigned to someone on the waiting list. If there is no evidence of activity at your plot by June 1, it will be reassigned. There are no refunds on plot fees paid.
Neighborliness:
- Do not pick from your neighbors’ plots even if you think they have neglected their plot. Please report evidence of neglect to the Garden Monitor
- If you use the Garden’s tools, please return them to the storage shed when done
- Keep plot boundaries weeded and trash-free. You are responsible for the common pathway running along the edge of your plot. Keep plot edges free of weeds, particularly those that will go to seed. Do not put rocks and sticks in the paths; take them to the rock and stick area
- Plant refuse piles are set up for weeds and diseased plants. Please us these designated areas. Please do not place trash in the refuse or compost piles. Please also do not place kitchen scraps in the plant refuse or compost piles; they attract animals to the Garden
- Pack your trash and bring it home to dispose of properly
- Stakes that mark your plot’s corners and have your plot number and name must be left in place all season
- Do not bring pets into the Gardens
- Teach your children to respect others’ plots and not to waste water
- The Garden is not available for commercial use; do not sell your produce at the Gardens
Plants and weeds:
- Weeds must be kept under control. If your plot is overgrown with weeds, you will receive a warning via email from the Monitor. After two weeks of no further action, your plot may be mowed and reassigned. If your plot is identified twice during the same season as excessively weedy, you will forfeit your plot to a person on the waiting list
- If you are unable to care for your plot for a period of time because of illness or vacation, please ask a fellow gardener or the Garden Coordinator for help with weeding and harvesting
- Generally visit your plot at least once per week to check for weeds and to harvest
- The compost bins should only be used for weeds without seeds and for garden plant matter. Weeds with seeds should be placed in a specially-marked bin by the entrance to the Garden for removal by the City
- Biodegradable mulch such as compost, leaves, straw, and hay are encouraged. Carpet mulch is not permitted. Remove any non-organic mulch by Closing Day. No wood chips are allowed as mulch, as they do not biodegrade quickly. Black plastic is allowed, but must be removed by Closing Day
- No chemical fertilizers (e.g., MiracleGrow, ammonium nitrate, or urea) are allowed in the Gardens. Please check the Garden’s web site for information on how to maintain an organic garden
- Never use herbicides (weedkillers) or pesticides. Please use organic methods for weed and pest control
- Please do not plant mint, catnip, Jerusalem artichokes, comfrey or raspberries. These plants are very invasive in the Gardens. Strawberries may be planted as long as they are kept confined to your plot
- Keep tall plants, such as corn or sunflowers, at the center of your plot so they do not shade your neighbors’ plants
- Keep vines and visitors out of neighbors’ plots
Site last updated : March 12, 2008