Programs

If accepted as a community gardener, I will abide by the following Rules, Terms, and Conditions:
Education
Participation is contingent on watching a required online video on tips for successful gardening (link provided after registration). New gardeners are also required to attend a garden orientation. Additional educational opportunities will be provided throughout the season.
Plot management
• I am responsible for my own irrigation. Drip lines and soaker hoses are encouraged as well as mulch of some type to further conserve water and reduce weeds. For further information about drip irrigation, contact the VCE-Fluvanna Extension Office at (434) 591-1950 or email flucocommunitygarden@gmail.com
• I will remove weeds from my plot(s) and the surrounding common areas (see Weed Policy below).
• I will keep trash and litter cleaned from the plot, and from adjacent pathways and fences.
• I will not plant crops where they will shade or encroach on neighboring plots (corn, sunflowers, okra, etc.).
• I will not plant my plants on or right against the edge of the neighboring plot.
• My rain barrel will be in the middle of my plot.
• I will pick only my own crops unless given permission by another plot user.
• I will not enter another members plot without their permission.
• To prevent the spread of disease in the garden, I will use the disinfecting mats upon entering and leaving the garden. I will clean tools and tiller blades in the disinfecting buckets provided.
• I will keep the entrance gates closed at all times, and make sure they are locked when leaving the garden.
• If my plot becomes unkempt or I fail to follow the good neighbor practices outlined herein, I understand I may lose my plot. The Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) - Fluvanna Unit and the Community Garden Steering Committee reserve the right to take whatever steps necessary to remediate insect, pest, or disease infestation.
• If I must abandon or am temporarily unable to work my plot for any reason, I will notify the Steering Committee flucocommunitygarden@gmail.com, and/or VCE-Fluvanna, bredman@vt.edu 434-591-1950.
Weed Policy
Gardeners are expected to keep their plots neat and productive through the consistent removal of weeds. This includes weeds in plots, plot boundaries between neighbors, plot edges, and adjacent pathways bordering plots (1/2 of the pathway between plots or to the fencing when there is no neighboring plot). Gardeners whose plots are found to have one or more of the criteria below will be notified by VCE- Fluvanna to clean up their plots:
1. 20% or more of plot is weeds or
2. Weeds are 6" (inches) or higher or
3. Weeds are going to seed
A garden walk-though is done weekly.
FIRST NOTICE: If your plot(s) reflect any of the criteria above, you will receive a notice to visit your garden for maintenance.
SECOND NOTICE: If you have not taken action or responded within one week of the first notice, you will receive a final warning.
THIRD NOTICE: If you have not taken action or responded within one week of the second notice, you will forfeit your plot(s) and all future opportunities to hold a plot at the Fluvanna Community Garden.
If a plot is forfeited, it is made available to the community gardeners.
1. Plot is first offered to gardeners in the plot's neighborhood, then, if still available, it is offered to all gardeners.
2. An existing gardener taking the plot is not charged for the plot for that year-- regardless of when this happens in the gardening year.
Weed/Plant Disposal
Weeds and plant debris are to be placed in the pile along the wooded area south of the garden. If there is any sign of disease or insect infestation, these materials must be bagged and taken home for disposal. No plant waste or heavy items are to be placed in the county trash container(s) located outside the garden.
Irrigation
I understand the water provided at the garden is non-potable. DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. It is recommended that gardeners use drip irrigation and avoid overhead spraying. All produce should be washed with potable water prior to consumption.
Insect Control
Preferred control methods are: hand picking of insect pests, crop rotation, and introduction of predator species, companion planting, soil solarization, and biological controls. If I use insecticides, I will be careful not to affect neighboring plots. You may also take a sample of the insect to the Master Gardener Help Desk or the Fluvanna County Extension Office for control suggestions.
Herbicides
I will keep my plot weeded and neat. Herbicides may not be used in plots, walkways, fence and non-garden areas, unless approved by the VCE-Fluvanna Office/Community Garden Steering Committee. Hoeing, mulching, and hand weeding are recommended. It is the gardener’s responsibility to keep a weed-free garden.
Wildlife
Fluvanna Community Garden cannot prevent damage from wildlife. It is each gardener’s responsibility to protect his/her own plot(s) as needed, provided there is no negative