Groton Community Garden Plots Available

The Groton Community Garden, located at 2 Fort Hill Rd. behind Social Services has plots available for gardeners. The following information is from the Parks and Rec website:

Current plot renters have until January 31st to renew their plots for this coming year. You will be assigned the same plot.

New plot renters will be assigned plots February 1st on a first come first serve basis. Applications are accepted currently.

March 1st, if plots are still available gardeners can rent additional plots. This will be done on a first come first serve basis as requested with their registration. If this happens efforts will be made to give you connecting plots.

Volunteer gardeners are needed to help with communal portion of the garden. Produce is donated to the Groton Food Bank. Last year we donated over 650 lbs to help needy families. Help us make an even bigger impact this year. If you are interested, email Ben Morse at bmorse@groton-ct.gov.

Register for a Plot here.

Garden Rules & Regulations:

I. Overview

Groton Community Garden is intended to be a beautiful, safe, and peaceful place for residents to cultivate flowers and vegetables. The following set of rules and regulations have been designed to ensure:
• That the community garden is safe.
• That the community garden is a pleasant place to be and look at, for gardeners, neighbors, and the general public.
• Fairness and equity among the gardeners.

II. Who can rent a plot in the Community Garden?

You must be 18 years or older and be a Town of Groton Resident.

III. Plot Rental, Registration, Fees

1. Residents may rent up to two garden plots. Gardens are assigned first come first serve.

2. Garden plots are issued on a year-to-year basis, from March 1st-October 31st. At the end of season plot must be cleared and left the way it was found in the spring.

3. Gardeners in good standing have the option to renew their garden plot for the following year. Those who do not meet the registration deadline will forfeit gardening privileges and their plot will be re-assigned to a new gardener.

4. If there are no vacant garden plots, prospective gardeners can add their name to a waiting list. When a plot becomes available, prospective gardeners will be contacted in order of the list.

5. Gardeners who relinquish their plot may not directly transfer the plot to another gardener.

6. Plots are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

7. Garden Tools will be available to borrow during Communal Garden Times.

IV. Gardener Rules

1. The Groton Parks & Recreation Department and Town Garden Committee has the duty of enforcing rules and making decisions based on the interest of the whole garden. They have authority to resolve conflicts, including refusing a plot to a gardener or dismissing current gardeners.

2. Gardens and surrounding walkways must be kept free of weeds. Each gardener is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their garden plot. Watering, weeding harvesting and any other garden related maintenance are all the responsibility of the gardener. If you are unable to care for your plot for a time because of illness or vacation, ask a fellow gardener or the coordinator for help with weeding and harvesting. If your garden is not kept up you will receive a warning and a yellow flag will be placed in your garden. You will have ten days to fix the problem. If garden is not fixed then a red flag and final warning will be issued. If the problem is not resolved in five days then garden is turned over to the Community Garden. No refunds will be given.

3. All plots must be “naturally” grown. NO toxic chemicals. Natural pest management and fertilizer may be used. EX. neem oil, horticulture oil, insecticidal soap, compost, aged manure, composting teas, IF IN QUESTION ASK!

4. You must not practice any horticultural techniques that will affect adjacent plots including shading another plot or planting of invasive species. EX. Mints, strawberries

5. A water tap is located at the rear of Human Services. Please use water cans or a bucket to water your plot. Make sure water is turned off after use.

6. If you decide not to use your plot please contact Parks and Recreation so it may be reassigned. If plot is able to be reassigned you will receive a refund. Plots must be used by July 1st or they will be reassigned unless arrangements have been made.

7. The garden is not available for commercial use; don’t sell your produce.

8. Compost bins are located at the garden. Please use as directed.

9. No pets in the garden.

10. Shoes are recommended.

If you see anything illegal happening, please contact Town Police at 441-6712.