How do I request a garden bed?
Please add your name to the waiting list and email Linda Weiner at linderweiner@gmail.com.
How long does it take to obtain a garden bed?
Beds are assigned on a first come, first served basis. The earlier you sign up, the greater your chance of obtaining a bed. Bed turnover happens all year long. Our new orchard garden, which is leased from the City, has helped keep our waiting list short.
How large are the beds?
The dimensions are 5'x12' for a full bed. In 2012, 10 new beds were built to accomodate more people. Some of these beds were divided with a board to make them half-size, which are assigned to two people. The dimensions of the half beds are 5'x6'. Assignment of full versus half beds depends on your position on the waiting list and the availability of beds.
Once you are assigned a bed you will need to do the following—
- Pay the $25 annual fee for supplies and upkeep. The fee should be made payable to the "LSRC" with "Garden Dues" in the memo line and mailed to LSRC, 2023 Park Avenue, 63104.
- Be a member in good standing of the neighborhood association (Lafayette Square Restoration Committee). Memberships start at $10. Click here to join the LSRC via web.
- Sign the Community Garden Agreement (available on this site).
- Perform a minimum of 3 hours community garden work, once in the spring and once in the fall. This usually consists of weeding, mulching, and trimming bushes in the community garden. The total of 6 hours of community work are IN ADDITION to your expected work of planting and maintaining your own bed. The community hours requirements are the same regardless of whether you have a full or half bed assignment. Work days (dates to be announced via email and on the garden calendar) are fun events not to be missed. You get to meet a lot of excited and knowledgeable gardeners.
- To provide one hour annually to my choice of Gateway Greening projects in order to fulfill our 30-hour obligation for annual grants. Projects might include working at Bell Garden, participating in the great Perennial Divide or planting downtown. Notices of opportunities will be sent to the group by e-mail as they arise.
How does my garden bed get watered?
Main Garden: Watering is usually done by an experienced crew, 2-3 times per week or as needed June-September.
Orchard: There is a not a crew, however there is a spool of hoses that can be stretched and connected to a red pump handle in the main garden.
Garden Bed Rules—
Once you have a bed, it is YOURS to plant whatever you desire, but you also need to weed and maintain. The bed does not have to be impeccable, but it should be something you are proud of. We prefer that you don’t plant invasive species like mint (can be confined to a pot) or sprawling vegetables like pumpkins. Cukes and zucchs are permissible given they are kept within the confines of your bed.