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Mashpee Community Garden Rules
- Applicant must be a Mashpee resident or taxpayer. Proof of such (e.g., tax bill, ID) is required.
- The garden should be a safe place for the community, children, and other gardeners. Do not bring anything that will compromise the safety of the garden.
- Ensuring enjoyable gardening experience for all of the garden community is the primary goal of these rules and responsibilities. For this reason, observe the rules of the garden, and be a good neighbor.
- The garden’s executive committee or steering committee has the duty of enforcing rules and making decisions for the garden between annual meetings of all gardeners. They have authority to resolve conflicts, including refusing a plot to a gardener or dismissing a current gardener.
- Teach your children to respect others’ plots and not to waste water.
- Each person must apply each year for a plot but returning gardeners will be given first preference and permitted to keep the same plot if they wish.
- You are responsible for volunteer work contributing to the upkeep of the entire garden at the beginning and the end of the growing season.
- If you are unable to care for your plot for a time because of illness or vacation, ask a fellow gardener or your alternate for help with weeding and harvesting.
- Generally visit your plot at least once each week.
- If you decide not to use your plot, please contact the registrar so it may be reassigned to someone on the waiting list. If there is no evidence of activity at your plot by May 1st, it will be reassigned. There are no refunds on plot fees paid.
- If your plot is overgrown with weeds, you will receive a warning. After one week of no action, your plot may be mowed and reassigned.
- Biodegradable mulch such as compost, leaves and straw are encouraged. Carpet mulch is not allowed. Remove any non organic mulch by closing day. No wood chips as mulch. They do not biodegrade quickly. Black plastic is allowed, but must be removed at the end of the season.
- Please do not plant mint, catnip, Jerusalem artichokes, comfrey, raspberries or anything else which might easily spread to surrounding plots.
- Please do not put up brightly-colored fencing (for instance orange plastic construction fencing) around your plot. Fencing around an individual plot must be approved by the steering committee.
- Situate tall plants such as corn or sunflowers on your plot so they do not shade your neighbor’s plants.
- Please keep vines and visitors out of neighboring plots.
- If you have a surplus of vegetables or fruits, please contact a nearby food pantry to donate.
- Do not pick from your neighbor’s garden even if you think they have neglected their plot.
- Keep plot boundaries and pathways weeded and trash-free. Keep plot edges and fencing free of weeds that will go to seed. Don't put rocks and sticks in paths. Take them to the rock-and-stick area.
- Plant refuse piles are set up for weeds and diseased plants. Please use these designated areas. No trash in the piles, please.
- Pack your trash back 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.
- Use only organic fertilizers, insecticides and weed repellents.
- No pets in the garden.
- Do not drive into the garden area.
- Download Mashpee Community Garden Application Form
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