Plot Member Resources

🌱🌱Plot Member Handbook 🌱🌱

Key Dates:

May 1st - Payments are due by this date. Please reach out to Karen Soanes, Plot Coordinator, if this will be difficult. You may send an email to: plotcoordinator@490farmers.org

June 1st: prepping/planting must start by this date. We will reach out to you if it seems like you haven't started working in your plot.

June 15th: Plots that have not been planted by this date will be passed to the next person on the waitlist.

November 12th: Final date to clear out your plot for the season and prep for winter.

Plot Abandonment/Negligence:

A plot abandonment policy helps make sure all plots are being well utilized and we are able to meet community demand for plots. It also ensures that plot members are accountable for taking care of their plots throughout the season, including clean-up at the end.

During the growing season, the team will periodically check on plots to make sure plot members are utilizing their plot and keeping the area around it clear. Plots severely neglected or abandoned will be given to the next person on the wait list.

End-of-Season Clean-up:

To best prepare the farm for winter, plot members are required to clean out their beds before November 12th. This includes removing dead plants. You can cover your soil with leaves, mulch, or cover crop to protect the soil. You are also allowed to keep perennials and overwinter plants in your bed.

Watering

If the summer is dry, you will need to commit to watering your garden 3-4 times a week.
The best times to water are early in the morning or late afternoon, early evening. Please try to avoid watering in the middle of the day.
Water the base of your plant, not the leaves. The roots want water. This also helps prevent diseases on your leaves.

Planting Tips

Square Foot Gardening will maximize what you can grow in your plot. Check out our webpage for more information.
Mulch will help with water retention and keeps the weeds down - use straw, hay, wood chips, cocoa shells. Please avoid wood chips with added color dye!
There are many natural ways to prevent pests and attract beneficial insects. Companion planting is a great method to look into.
Repel insects by planting garlic, onions, chives, and chrysanthemums.

Guideline and Policies:

490 Farmers is an organic garden - Please avoid the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. A great organic fertilizer is fish emulsion. We try to keep a bottle in the shed - please follow directions for use.
Carry in, carry out - Please remember to bring all your garbage and weeds with you when you leave the garden. Please don't add weeds to the compost pile!
Avoid planting corn - City wildlife particularly enjoys this crop. Previous plot members have not had good luck with corn.
Don't grow mint in your plot unless you are planting into a sunken container. We have mint in the free food forest - please help yourself.
Please try your best to keep up with weeding in your plot and in the area directly around it.
Remember to close and lock the shed behind you if no one else is at the garden!
Lean on your community! Going out of town? Ask a fellow plot member to water for you. Too many peppers? Maybe you can trade for some tomatoes! There are many knowledgeable gardeners at 490 Farmers. They are eager to help and answer any questions. Don't be shy! Get to know your plot neighbors.