Got a question?
We have answers!
Review the frequently asked questions here.
How do I sign up for a plot? Are there any dues?
Simply send us an email! Include your name and contact info. We have 17 Individual spots in the current garden, and best of all it's free!What’s the difference between community and individual garden plots?
Community plots are planted and maintained by volunteers on the gardens personal schedule, and the produce that comes from them is available to all. Individual plots are more private in that only the person assigned to that plot is tending to it, and reaping the rewards of growing their own produce in it. It allows individuals a chance to grow different varieties, experiment with different growing methods and learn the personal joy of seeing something through from seed to fruit.
Can I participate even if I don’t have a garden plot?
Absolutely! Anyone who doesn’t have an individual plot is highly encouraged to volunteer tending to the needs of the communal plots. You can still enjoy getting your hands in the dirt, and with the added benefit of attaining gardening success as a part of a team. Furthermore, if gardening isn’t your thing, there will be other ways to participate as the garden is not only a place to grow fruit and vegetables, but a hub for shared learning and community togetherness. We’ll have plenty of other opportunities that don’t involve dirt nor bugs!
What do volunteers do?
Volunteers can help build the garden, water, weed, plant, harvest, cultivate, facilitate events, mow garden paths, train vines, sweep cobwebs, and do anything in general that needs doing! There will be a chalk board sign in the garden letting volunteers know what currently needs doing, and as always you can email us to find out ways to get involved.
Will I have access to the shared tools?
Yes, the garden will have a limited supply of it’s own tools for volunteers and other gardeners who are gardening inside the garden to use. Those tools will be available in our shed during the hours the garden is open. We just ask that gardeners be fair in sharing the tools, and put them away clean, where they belong.
Still need answers?
Email us at fishersislandcommunitygarden@gmail.com
If I have my own garden at home, why bother to participate in the community garden?
Taking care of ones own garden can sometimes be enough of a handful, and we understand that. For someone who already has an established garden at home, participation in the community garden could mean inspiration, as there will be a multitude of gardeners of all different backgrounds and experience joining forces at the community garden, and with that the opportunity to learn from one another arises. Working side by side with others can be very good for your mental well being, and open the door to new friendships and a sense of belonging. Just by being in the community garden your are supporting something larger that benefits the community as a whole.
Will the produce that comes from the communal plots be for sale?
No, the produce that comes from the communal plots will be free to anyone in the community, and will be available as it ripens in a clearly marked location. It is an important part of our mission to help provide fresh organically grown food to anyone in the community who needs it. That being said there will be a donation box in the garden for anyone who feels that they would like to give back in some way to the garden to help keep the garden growing. As a side note, please do not pick anything in the garden unless you have been pre-authorized by a committee member.
Where is the soil filling the raised beds coming from?
Our soil comes from a modge-podge of places. Some of it was purchased from an organic composting facility in Connecticut, some was generously donated from our Island’s Waste Management Team, a few yards were purchased from Race Rock Gardening Co., and we are currently working to get more delivered from a great farm in Connecticut. Soil is something you have to invest in and take care of. Overtime it settles, and as you grow in it, the produce you harvest sucks up the nutrition in the soil, which is great for your body, but not so much for the soil and crops you plan to plant next year. Based on accessibility and availability, we are constantly adding to and improving our soil. Rest assured, we at the community garden are doing are absolute best to ensure that all the soil used in the garden is of the upmost quality and safety.