Community Gardens Q&A
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding Community Gardens. If you have additional questions, please contact us.
Questions:
I want to start a community garden — how do I get started?
Who determines what site works for our garden plan?
What will the City of Kingston provide?
Can we use herbicides or pesticides?
What kind of equipment and soil is permitted at the community garden?
Can members sell their produce?
Can we install a gate or fence?
Why do we need to have insurance?
Can we set the rate charged for the plots in our community garden?
Why do we have to talk with the neighbours about the garden? What if they don't want it?
How can I find out more about Community Gardening in Kingston?
Answers:
I want to start a community garden — how do I get started?
A: The City provides detailed information on starting a community garden — please follow the steps outlined in the Community Gardens Policy and contact us for further guidance. Here are some suggested steps to follow:
- Organize a volunteer group (at least 10 people recommended) to develop a plan for a community garden.
- Establish garden guidelines to support the development and outline the operation of the community garden.
- Develop partnership with a community association and/or other civic partner to provide liability insurance ($2 million) and the ability to apply for grants.
- Develop a conceptual garden design plan (beds, layout, etc).
- Outline how the garden provides a public education component and how the garden is accessible to others.
- Create a financial plan/budget for the garden. Note: Approval is dependent upon ability to fund the garden at minimal cost to the City and an understanding that ongoing garden maintenance is undertaken by the volunteer group through a Community Gardens Agreement.
- Survey neighbours to inform them of the garden plan and gather their support.
- Demonstrate community need/community support through letters (emails) from community garden partners and supporters.
- Show willingness to comply with existing bylaws, policies and procedures.
Who determines what site works for our garden plan?
A: Each site has different benefits, conditions and limitations. Your garden plan or guidelines will help determine which site will work best for your garden. You will consult with the Community Gardens Coordinator for any proposed gardents on City property.
What will the City of Kingston provide?
A:
- The City will establish an annual community gardens start-up and enhancement fund for the development of new Community Gardens and the enhancement/maintenance of existing Community Gardens as well as the development of donation plots. It can also be applied to the cost of obtaining Public Liability Insurance.
- The City will provide information to garden members, organizations and groups on other sources of funding.
- The City will support the development of donation plots through the provision of extra funding from the community gardens start-up and enhancement fund.
- The City will provide some information on how to develop and maintain community gardens.
- The City will support the development of a community garden network with the common goals of sharing knowledge and skills, enhancing interaction between garden members and increasing awareness of and access to the City's community gardens.
- The City will provide some support to garden members regarding advertising and promoting opportunities for community garden events.
- The City will dispose of waste from the community garden site from the designated City garbage containers located within designated City parks.
- The City will provide grass maintenance around the perimeter of the community garden located in designated City parks. Community gardens will be responsible for grass cutting on pathways within the garden itself.
- The City will provide rain barrels to community gardens where there is no access to municipal water.
- The City will notify community garden groups in writing when within the groups' last year of their three year term.
Can we use herbicides or pesticides?
A: The use of sustainable gardening practices must be followed in all community gardens where all garden members must agree to abide by the Province of Ontario's Pesticide Act 63/09. Chemical insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers are prohibited in all community gardens. Insecticidal soaps may be used in the control of pests and compost and composting manures may be used in soil conditioning and fertilization.
What kind of equipment and soil is permitted at the community garden?
A: All soils brought on to public lands must be tested and a copy of the soil diagnostic provided to the City as a requirement for development of public land. Parks will be doing an environmental review of each site (public lands) which may result in site specific conditions (i.e. minimal soil disturbance). Garden volunteers may be permitted to bring in any mechanical labor-saving devices depending upon site selection and insurance coverage.
Can members sell their produce?
A: Produce grown in allotment plots within the community garden will be for the personal use and consumption of the individuals involved in the community garden. Produce sold by the garden as a whole from a dedicated plot for the purpose of fundraising for garden projects and programs is permitted given that all applicable permits and/or licenses are in place.
Can we install a gate or fence?
A: Each garden will be assessed on a site specific basis but the intent behind a community garden is that public access is not only provided but encouraged. There are many options to deal with vandalism/theft from gardens and a locked gate is the least preferred solution.
Why do we need to have insurance?
A: All community gardens must have an adequate level of insurance against risk/injury to cover the gardeners and public using the garden. If the garden is on the community association's leased land, then the Community Associations Insurance will provide coverage for the garden. If the garden is on City land the community associations' lease could be extended to the gardens legal address, and therefore the garden will be covered under the community associations Insurance. Insurance could also be purchased through the municipality for gardens on City land. If the garden is on private land the landowner or garden group is encouraged to obtain adequate insurance.
Can we set the rate charged for the plots in our community garden?
A: A fee structure may be developed by partnering groups and/or organizations in consideration of the expected operating costs of the community garden as well as the ability of garden members to pay. In order to ensure equal access and opportunity to all community members the fee structure must provide a fee waiver or sliding scale fee for those that indicate they are unable to pay the garden plot fee (if applicable). Fee structuring and collection will be the responsibility of each individual garden group.
Why do we have to talk with the neighbours about the garden? What if they don't want it?
A:
Neighbouring residents may be impacted by the garden in terms of more site visits to the location (parking) and/or other related impacts. It is good neighbour practice to ensure those around the garden support it. Neighbour support is encouraged and the City will assess such impact as an integral element of approval and a meeting with residents may be part of the process.
How can I find out more about Community Gardening in Kingston?
A:
The Kingston Community Garden Network can help you through the process of starting a community garden. Contact Holly Platz, Kingston Community Garden Network Coordinator at 613-546-4291, ext. 1871, Gardens@lovingspoonful.org.
