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Community Garden

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1. What is the Woodbury Community Garden?

A community garden is a piece of city-owned land made available for gardeners to rent during the summer months. The City of Woodbury, in conjunction with Woodbury Thrives, launched a community garden pilot program in 2022. The program will be offered again in 2024. We also have a city supported volunteer-based core committee that does the planning and managing of the garden. 

2. Can I park my vehicle on the grass next to my garden plot?

No, vehicles must remain parked in the designated parking lot.

3. Who is eligible for a Community Garden plot?

Those interested in reserving a garden plot must be residents of Woodbury or a Woodbury-based civic group/organization. One plot is allowed per household or civic group.

4. I cannot afford the rental fee. Is there a program scholarship available?

Yes, more information is available on the city’s website. 

5. How many plots are available?

For the 2024 growing season, we will have 48, 9’ x 14’ plots available on a first come, first serve basis. Returning gardeners will have an opportunity to get the same plot every year. Only one plot is allowed per household/civic group and all participants must be residents of Woodbury. We continue to monitor demand with an eye toward expansion.

6. What does the city provide?

The city will do basic fall and spring maintenance, including tilling the garden to ensure the plots are ready to be planted. The city will provide water and hoses and will maintain the paths and parking area. 

7. What do I need to bring?

You will need to provide your own gardening equipment, seeds, plants, and fertilizer for your plot. If you want a small fence around your plot, you will need to provide that and take it down at the end of the season. We also have a shed on the south side of the garden stocked with shovels, cultivators, hoes, pitchfork, and hand trowels/tools only for use at the community garden.

8. May gardening tools be left unattended at the Community Garden?

Garden tools may not be left unattended. Please plan to transport your garden tools with you for each visit to work on your garden. Any material left unattended at the garden site will be at your own risk. 

9. How much time should I expect to dedicate to my garden plot?

Depending on what you plant, the average is one to two hours per week with more time spent during the planting and growing seasons; especially during dry spells. Be efficient and weed while you water.

10. Can I use pesticides or weed killer?

We highly encourage organic gardening methods. Plots must be kept free of weeds. Weeds are considered to be “out of control” if they are greater than 6 inches in height, flowering or going to seed. Use cultivation or mulches to control weeds. Individuals are responsible for weed control in their plots, even if the plot does not have anything currently growing.

11. Why is organic gardening encouraged?

Organic gardening focuses on building healthy soil that can sustain healthy plants. Organic gardening encourages the natural balance between living organisms in the soil. It is also safer for pollinators, wildlife, pets, and humans. One way the City of Woodbury and Woodbury Thrives foster environmental wellness is by encouraging and supporting environmentally healthy gardening within our community. 

12. What can I do to keep rabbits or other animals out of my garden?

The garden plot area is enclosed with deer and rabbit-proof fencing. Gardeners are also welcome to use fencing to delineate their garden plots, but the fencing must be taken down before October 15. 

13. When is fall harvest and clean up required?

By Oct. 15, fall clean up should be complete, this includes:

• Harvesting
• Pathways clean up
• Removing dead plants
• Weeding, planting, and edging weeds along borders
• Removal of fencing, plant stakes, tomato supports, or plastic mulch

14. When should I start spring preparation and planting?

By June, your garden should be in the beginning stage. Some activities are:

• Pathway clean-up
• Weeding, planting and edging weeds along borders
• Working the soil in preparation for planting

15. Am I required to sign the gardener’s agreement and waiver to participate in the Community Garden?

Yes. Breaking any rules, terms or conditions is cause for exclusion from the garden and loss of your plot.

16. If I’m a novice, can I still apply, and will there be someone to help me through the process?

Yes, we have Master Gardeners on the committee to help novice gardeners get their garden plot started and guide them through the growing season. If you receive a plot, you can email the garden committee to connect with a Master Gardener. 

17. Is there a commitment?

Yes, gardeners are responsible for their assigned plot throughout the entire growing season. We have a waiting list for potential gardeners so if the garden plot is abandoned, not used or unattended, the city will assign/transfer the garden plot to another gardener and the initial payment will be non-refundable.  

18. Are there any exclusions to what can be grown?

Perennials are allowed.  Marijuana/cannabis, or illegal plants of any kind are prohibited. Cannabis and/or tobacco smoking is not allowed at the Woodbury Community Garden.  

To learn more about Woodbury’s rules regarding cannabis, check out the adult-use cannabis page and FAQs.