York County Community Garden Guidelines

Welcome to the York County Community Garden! Our gardens provide residents the opportunity to grow food, learn gardening skills, and enjoy outdoor time in a safe, shared space. Please read these rules carefully to ensure a positive experience for all gardeners.

Eligibility and Fees

• Garden plots are available to York County residents only.
• Commercial use of plots is prohibited.
• Annual plot fees:
  • McReynolds Athletic Complex:
    • 10 x 12 plot: $15
    • 10 x 20 plot: $25
  • Charles Brown Park:
    • 10 x 20 plot: $15
• Gardeners must provide their own tools. York County is not responsible for lost or stolen tools or personal property.
• One plot per family unit.
• Plot assignments are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration and Plot Use

• Plots are rented year to year.
• Returning gardeners must reapply by January 31 to retain the same plot or request a priority change.
• New gardener registration begins March 1.
• Gardeners must begin working their plot by April 30 or within 14 days of registration, whichever is later.
• Unused or unprepared plots may be reassigned without notice.

Garden Hours

• March 1 – October 31: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• November 1 – February 28: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
• Gates must be locked when leaving; only authorized gardeners may have the combination.

Garden Etiquette and Safety

• Keep pathways free of debris and equipment.
• Ground covers such as stone, carpet, or artificial turf are prohibited. Newspaper or cardboard mulch must be secured.
• Family members are welcome; supervise children. Do not walk across other plots without permission.
• Pets, animals, and livestock are not allowed, except for official service animals.
• Remove weeds and plant debris promptly from plots and paths.
• Avoid planting spreading crops (sunflowers, squash, tomatoes, etc.) near pathways or neighbors’ plots.
• Large plant debris must be removed from the garden; do not use park trash cans

Planting and Crop Management

• Avoid horticultural techniques that affect neighboring plots. Do not apply herbicides or homemade pesticides.
• Chemical or organic pesticides cannot be stored in the garden.
• Mulching is encouraged as a safe method of weed control. Contact the Community Garden Coordinator for guidance.
• Use trellises and cages so that tall plants do not shade adjacent plots.
• Individual fencing is allowed; concrete anchors are prohibited. Store only materials necessary for gardening.
• Do not dig, create channels, or build berms outside your plot.
• Summer crops must be cleared by November 30.

Tools and Equipment

• Use of power garden equipment (tillers, etc.) is allowed. No electrical outlets are available.
• Do not attach hoses to water faucets or leave faucets running.
• No amplified music or sound devices are allowed.

Pest and Safety Guidelines

• Vertebrate pest control using poisons, firearms, or lethal traps is prohibited.
• Controlled substances (marijuana, hemp) are prohibited.
• Read and follow guidance from the Virginia Pest Management Guide: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/456/456-018/456-018.html
• Practice safe application techniques and never apply pesticides on windy days.

Harvesting and Plot Maintenance

• Harvest crops only from your assigned plot.
• Plot transfers must go through the Community Garden Coordinator.
• Notify the coordinator if you will be absent for more than 7 days or if someone else will tend your plot.
• If plots are not maintained, gardeners may receive a notice. The County may reassign plots if no response is received.

Emergency Contacts

• Water emergencies: York County Utilities, 757-890-3750
• All other emergencies: 911
• Non-emergency garden issues: Virginia Cooperative Extension, 757-890-4940
• Suspected trespassers: Non-emergency Sheriff’s office, 757-890-3630

Coordinator Contact

Community Garden Coordinator
Email: yorkcomm.garden@gmail.com
Please indicate which garden you are inquiring about when emailing.

Enforcement

• Additional or temporary rules may be implemented for safety and enjoyment.
• Failure to comply with garden rules may result in immediate loss of gardening privileges.