Community Garden

Community Garden

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ONGWANADA

Community Garden

In a time where the environment, food safety, and growing practices are popular headlines, Ongwanada’s Community Garden offers a unique opportunity to make a better connection with what we eat.

The digging began in 1993 when the District Health Council began offering grants for groups or organizations that were willing to start up programs to promote exercise and healthy living.

The gardens currently offer 16 tilled garden plots measuring 8’ x 20’ available for rental for the gardening season. One stipulation is that all plots must remain herbicide-free and pesticide-free.

What better way to get involved in your community than a program that offers fresh air, exercise, and the chance to grow your own healthy foods.

Location

The Ongwanada Community Garden is located at 114 Wright Crescent behind Ongwanada’s Crescent Centre. It sits next door to the Kingston Family YMCA and only steps away from the Kingston Centre shopping hub. In mid-town Kingston and close to three major roads, Ongwanada’s Community Garden is easily accessible by car or bus.

Location

Come grow with us

An Intro to our Community Garden

Ongwanada’s community garden currently offers 16 tilled garden plots measuring 8′ x 20′ available for rental for the gardening season. One stipulation is that all plots must remain herbicide-free and pesticide-free. Your yearly $30 plot fee includes the use of one garden plot, use of Ongwanada’s garden tools, and the preparation of the soil in spring and fall, and the water supply.

As a participant, you are responsible for your individual plot, including the garden layout, choice of seeds, cost of seeds/plants, planting, watering and weeding.

We ask that no perennials be planted in the garden as the soil is rototilled before and after each garden season. All plots must be clear by the Thanksgiving long weekend so that the garden can be prepared for winter.

The Garden and Tools: The soil in the garden has been already prepared for planting. A locked garden shed has been stocked with tools and is located on-site. Each participant is responsible for the safekeeping of the garden tools and must make sure that the tools are back and locked in the shed before they leave.

Water: A keyed water system allows for easy watering. Please be sure to turn the system off when finished.

Weed Control: To keep weeds from spreading, we cover any plots that aren’t rented out. Please do your part as well by pulling weeds from your garden plot.

Clean Up for Safety: Please work safely by keeping all areas clean and free from hazards that can cause accidents.

Composting: Composting bins for all organic material are provided on-site. Please make sure that only organic items are placed in the bin.

Recycling: Plastic containers are located inside the shed for glass and cans.

Garbage: Metal garbage cans are located next to the fence at the garden site. Please ensure that all cans are covered with their lids.

Washrooms: Washrooms are located inside the Ongwanada Crescent Centre building. The building is accessible Monday through Friday (except on holidays) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Community Garden

The number of rental garden plots is limited. The application does not guarantee a garden plot.

There is a rental charge for use of the garden plot.

In efforts to work as a Community Garden, and to give the opportunity to garden to as many people as possible, gardeners will be signed up for only one garden plot. Should there be garden plots that do not become assigned, gardeners may request an additional plot once the season has begun.