GROW! Community Garden Guidelines

GROW! Community Gardeners of Manitowish Waters, Inc. (GROW! CG) exists to serve a need for those residents that relish the joy of gardening. To ensure everyone has a common understanding of how our garden operates and what is expected of gardeners and visitors to the garden, we’ve developed the following GARDEN GUIDELINES:

1. Annual garden plot fees. Annual garden plot fees must be paid in full before October 15. Following that date, all unpaid/reserved plots will be released to community residents on the Waiting List. You have first-right to your plot from the previous year. Each gardener must complete and submit a “Release of All Claims” form before any work in the garden can begin. Once assigned a plot, cultivating and planting must start by June 15.

2. No unaccompanied children or visitors. Guests and visitors, including children, may enter the Garden when accompanied by a Plot holder. Children should be supervised at all times. The plot holder bears responsibility for the behavior of their guests.

3. Gardens must be well maintained at all times.

a) Plots must be maintained throughout the year. In addition to keeping beds weed free, gardeners are responsible for removing weeds and grasses between weed barrier and base of garden bed.

b) Do not dispose of weeds or diseased plants in or around the garden site. Please dispose of weeds at home.

c) Garden beds are to be cleaned out at the end of the season. A dump trailer will be provided for disposal of plant material.

4. Weed control in a community garden. Remember, your weeds become your neighbors’ weeds. Gardeners in violation of 3a (above) will be notified as follows:

First warning - Email with two-week period to bring into compliance.
Second warning - Follow-up email with one-week period to bring into compliance.

If not in compliance after second warning date expires and no response to emails has been received, plot will be considered abandoned, any crops will be collected for food pantry donation, and plot will be forfeited without refund. Any such gardeners may apply for a plot the following year.

5. Pack out trash. All non-organic refuse brought in must be removed by the gardener, including: plastic bottles, cans, bags, etc.

6. No chemicals. Materials that may be harmful to humans or the environment are not allowed within the garden. The application of chemical herbicides (weed killers) or fertilizers to any garden plot is prohibited.

7. No grass clippings. To prevent accidental introduction of Bermuda grass and other weeds, the use of grass clippings is not allowed within the garden.

8. Respect garden boundaries. Plots should not be allowed to expand into pathways or other plots. All plants, plant runners, vegetables, and stakes should be kept within the walled boundaries of each plot.

9. Do Not Plant List:

Mint (invasive)
Any type of tree or shrub
Marijuana (even if legalized in the future)

10. No Smoking. All areas within and surrounding the fenced Garden premises are established as a “smoke free” zone. Please do not dispose of cigarette butts in parking areas.

11. No dogs or pets allowed. Pets or other animals are not allowed within the Garden premises.

12. No parking along Airport Road.

13. No undesirable behavior. The use of illegal drugs or playing loud music within the garden is prohibited. The proper authorities will be immediately notified to handle and escort from the Garden premises any person(s) appearing to be impaired or under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Loitering on Garden premises is not allowed.

14. Report vandalism. Vandalism and other damage within the garden should be reported to the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department (715) 479-4441 and to the MW Community Garden Steering Committee at (262) 366-3718.

15. Not responsible for losses. Gardeners accept all risks related to participation within the community garden. Neither GROW! CG nor its Steering Committee are responsible for any loss, damage, costs, or injury suffered by gardeners or visitors associated with participation in GROW! CG.

16. Final decisions. All garden suggestions and complaints should be in writing and emailed to GROW! CG Steering Committee at [email protected]. The Steering Committee reserves the right to render a final decision concerning any dispute related to the Community Garden, community garden rules and/or garden participation.

Your compliance with the above guidelines will help everyone have an enjoyable and prosperous garden experience.

Your Steering Committee