Allotment Bed Rules and Guidelines - amended version 2017

DOUGLAS ISLAND GARDEN SOCIETY – ALLOTMENT BED RULES AND GUIDELINES

MISSION STATEMENT: Our purpose is to create a self - regulating community garden on Protection Island that will promote organic gardening, contribute to community development, foster positive social interaction and increase environmental awareness.


1. Registration Fees and Allotment Reservation

A. Each island resident is entitled to lease a plot if space is
available. As of February 28, 2017 allotment lease holders must be a current DIGS member.
B. Annual allotment fees are full $30 per plot or $15 per half lot or $10 for a third of a plot.
These fees are non refundable.
C. The fee includes frugal use of water and soil amendments (fertilizers). Compost including seaweed and leaves from the community garden supply is for the communal beds only.
D. Allotment leases are good for one year (March 1 to February 28). DIGS reserves the right to change location and availability of allotments in future years. DIGS reserves the right to refuse to rent allotments if there is just cause.

E. Allotments leases are to be renewed and signed annually by March 1. Reminders will be emailed to current gardeners at the beginning of each calendar year. Plots will become available to those on the wait list if any lease holders have not signed and paid the fee  by March 1
F. Allotments must be cleared of weeds by April 1. Failure to do so will result in the plot being reassigned to another gardener.
G. If, for any reason, a renter finds that they cannot care for their garden, they are required to notify the allotment coordinator and make arrangements for the care of their garden during their absence. The care giver needs to be made aware of all the guidelines concerning the allotment beds including mowing and watering duties. If the lease holder’s absence extends beyond one year his/her case will be reviewed by the allotment coordinator. If the lease holder is unable to complete watering and/or mowing duties he/she must discuss this with the allotment coordinator.

2. Wait List

Any Protection Island resident can be on the wait list for an allotment bed as

long as they are a member of DIGS. As a full bed becomes available it will be divided in half and the gardeners in the overflow bed will get first option to take a lease on ½ of the bed.

3. Watering:

The rental fee includes the frugal use of water. A gardener must remain in the community garden while his/her garden is being watered. Gardeners must monitor their water to avoid flooding of or her
plot and neighbouring beds.

4. Planting Restrictions

A. Only organic methods of growing are permitted - no toxic chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Gardeners using these items will lose their gardening privileges.
B. No trees are allowed because of shade and root problems.
C. No invasive species (eg. bamboo, scotch broom, purple loose-strife)
D. Care must be taken with hard to eradicate plants such as bindweed and berry vines. If not kept in check they may be treated as weeds.
E. Tall plants can only be planted where they will not shade neighbouring plots.

5. Smoking 

Smoking is not permitted in the garden area. This is a safety issue and a means of preventing the spread of the tobacco mosaic virus.

6. Weeds and Trash

It is the gardener's responsibility to control the weeds and trash in their own plots and adjacent pathways and to clear their plot of trellis and staking material, plastic mulching, and plant debris when not in use.

7. Rebar

Exposed rebar is not allowed for staking or trellising for safety reasons.

8. Pets

Pets are not allowed in the garden.

9. Storage

Storage on site for gardeners' tools or supplies will not be provided. Gardeners must pack what they need in and out.

10. Gates     Gardeners are asked to close and latch all gates when leaving to keep the deer out.

11. Compost and Garbage

A refuse bin (for non organic garbage), a closed or sealed compostbin (for fruits and other organic foodstuffs) and an open compost bin (for leaves, stem and root material) will be available on site. Gardeners
are encouraged to recycle their garden wastes in the garden's compost bins.

12. Harvesting
No one may pick another gardener's crop unless he/she has been given permission by that plot user.

13. Cooperation and Community

 A.  In addition to the annual fee gardeners are requires to make a contribution of their time by participating in the following communal tasks:

 i) grass cutting – each allotment lease holder will be required to cut the grass and trim edges of the whole garden (inside and out) for an assigned one week period;

ii) watering – each allotment lease holder will be required to water the communal beds as needed during an assigned one week period;

iii) construction tasks and maintenance tasks;

iv)Lease holders are encouraged to attend weekly work party meetings to contribute in discussing issues pertaining to the garden.


B. Conflicts or concerns with other gardeners should be worked out privately. If not, the coordinator will arbitrate.

14. Privacy of Personal Information

All information collected on registration forms will be compiled in a database accessible only to the executive and will be kept confidential. This information will not be lent, rented or sold.

15. Subletting:

The leased bed is to be used as a garden by the lease holder and may not be loaned or sublet except as decided in section 1. G   

These rules will be reviewed annually and may be improved.