Q: Do all the plots have fences or structures around them?
A: Most plots do have some type of fencing structure around them. Sturdiness and pest-proofness varies. A few plots, including some in a row no longer in use by the Ruddy Duck, do not have any fencing. There are some fencing supplies (metal posts, plastic or wire mesh) at the Community Garden that are available for gardeners use. Many gardeners procure their own supplies to create or strengthen their fences to their liking.

 Q: Is there a water supply at the Community Garden?
A: Yes, each plot has its own spigot attached to our above-ground irrigation system of white PVC pipe. The water system is turned on in the spring as soon as the danger of deep freezes is past, and is turned off in the fall (usually in October) once we are in danger of low enough temperatures to potentially freeze and damage the PVC pipes. Some gardeners just attach a hose to their spigot, but most attach a timer connected to a sprinkler or drip irrigation system.

Q: Are there communal plots?
A: Yes: We have a community herb plot, rose plot, corn plot, summer squash plot, two winter squash plots and two raspberry plots. Each plot has a volunteer “manager,” and the herb and squash plots are planted with donated plants from Community Gardeners.

Q: Are there rules about what I can grow at the Community Garden?
A: Not really (although please refrain from growing something that self-seeds with abandon and could become a “weed” in other plots. Most Community Gardeners grow a combination of vegetables, herbs and a few flowers, while some only grow flowers. A few grow some small fruits, such as berries.

Q: When do I need to start gardening in my plot?
A: We ask all Community Gardeners to have planted no later than July 1. Due to the short growing season in the Klamath Basin, planting later than that (especially for longer-season crops such as tomatoes, squash and beans) is not advised. Most gardeners start planting between May 21 and June 21. A general target date is June 1 due to the possibility of frost before that date, but some cool season plants (such as garlic and onions) can be planted before May 21.

Q: What happens if I can’t garden in my plot even though I’ve paid for it?
A: We know that life throws us curveballs. If you realize as the season starts that you won’t be able to garden but want to keep your plot because you anticipate gardening the following year, we ask that you take steps to prevent your plot from becoming weedy. If you have time and ability to weed but not plant, that’s one option. Covering your plot with black plastic or barrier cloth is another. If a Community Gardener does not maintain their plot and lets it become a weed area, they will not be granted a plot the following year. Note: If there extenuating circumstances, a gardener who can’t garden in the current season may petition to be allowed to garden the following season.

Q: Do I have other responsibilities as a Community Gardener?
A: All Community Gardeners are responsible for maintaining their plot, which means not just planting, harvest and cleanup, but also keeping weeds managed both in your plot and adjacent to your plot (i.e., weeds that come up in the walkways next to your plot). While it’s not the most exciting part of gardening, we all play a role in keeping weeds as under control as possible, to make things easier for ALL Community Gardeners in the current year and future years. Also, the Community Garden holds some volunteer work parties a few times a season. While these are optional, many hands make lighter work, and it really is satisfying and even fun to make the common spaces of the garden look better while chatting with your fellow gardeners.

Q: Is the Community Garden organic?
A: Yes it is, and not just because we have a beehive in one corner of the garden. Chemical pesticides and herbicides are not allowed in the garden, and any rodent-control strategies must use non-toxic methods. Any questions about whether a fertilizer, herbicide/pesticide or rodent control substance or method is allowed can be raised at a Garden Club meeting or directed towards the Garden Club President or other designated Community Gardener.