Policies, Process & Procedures

Mission

The GFH Community Garden provides a shared outdoor space for GFH residents to foster friendships, community, and promote healthy living. The garden also aims to offer fresh food to help residents with food insecurity.

General Information

The Community Garden is managed by a Volunteer Garden Coordinator (VGC) in collaboration with the Residential Services Office.

All GFH Community Garden areas are available for use free of charge. However, the University may implement new regulations and reallocate garden space to construction projects. Future changes will be announced ahead of time and the GFH Community Garden Contract will be updated accordingly. Please be advised of these potential changes when deciding to invest in your garden.

Volunteer Garden Coordinator (VGC)

The VGC serves as the liaison between the Residential Services Office and the community garden members. The VGC is responsible for organizing meetings, events, conducting monthly inspections, and submitting maintenance requests.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Resident Eligibility: Garden plots are available only to residents of Graduate and Family Housing communities. Garden plots are assigned based on waitlist priority, which is determined by the submission time of the interest form.
  • Plot Assignment:
    • Plots are assigned to current residents for a maximum of two years, with the possibility of renewal depending on waitlist capacity. The Residential Services Office will provide a two-week notice before reassignment.
    • Only one garden plot may be assigned per resident.
    • Plots cannot be transferred, exchanged, or subleased. Sharing is allowed with additional residents as per your rental agreement; however, the primary resident is liable for the plot’s activities and any damages.
  • Ineligibility: Moving or transferring out of GFH will make you ineligible to hold a plot in the Community Garden.
  • Early Termination: You can vacate your garden at any time by submitting a request here.

Plot Holder Expectations

As a plot holder, you are expected to:

  • Provide Your Own Supplies: Bring your own tools, seeds, and plants.
  • Watering Rules: Remain with your plot while watering. Do not leave hoses unattended. Be sure to turn off the water and coil hoses when done.
  • Maintain Boundaries: Gardening must be confined to the designated plot. Ensure your plants do not block neighboring plots’ sunlight.
  • Respect Other Gardeners: Only harvest your own crops unless given explicit permission to do otherwise.
  • Tool Storage: Store gardening tools out of public view, either at home or in the Residential Gardening Shed. Personal tools stored in the shed must be labeled with your name and plot number.
  • Clean Up: Return tools to the storage area and ensure that the garden remains clean. Remove all debris such as boxes, scrap materials, broken tools, and waste items.
  • Guest Responsibility: Ensure your guests follow the garden’s rules.
  • Weed Removal: Clear weeds from pathways and between plots on a quarterly basis or as needed.
  • Plot Condition: Before moving out or when your plot contract ends, ensure your plot is cleared and left in good condition for the next resident.

Prohibited Activities

The following activities are not allowed in the garden:

  • Plot Expansion: Extending your plot into surrounding grass or dirt areas.
  • Pesticides and Herbicides: Use of non-organic pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides is prohibited. Only organic substances like diatomaceous earth are permitted.
  • Permanent Plants: No planting of permanent or semi-permanent plants like trees, perennial vines, or shrubs.
  • Permanent Fixtures: Installation of permanent items such as trellises, poles, or fencing is not allowed without prior written approval.
  • Automatic Watering Systems: Installation of automatic irrigation systems is not allowed.
  • Composting: Individual or communal composting is prohibited.
  • Pets: Pets are not allowed in the garden. Registered service animals are the only exception.
  • Tools and Equipment: Tools should not be removed from the garden overnight.

Policy Enforcement

To maintain the garden’s standards, the following steps will be taken if a plot is misused, poorly maintained, or abandoned:

  • First Notice: The resident will receive an email notification and have two weeks to bring their garden back to standard.
  • Inspection: After two weeks, the VGC will inspect the plot.
  • Reassignment: If the plot is still not up to standards, the resident will be notified via email that the plot will be reassigned.

Additional Policies

The policies and guidelines outlined in the GFH Handbook also apply to the Community Gardens.

Have questions? Contact us