Plot Fees & Regulations

information about garden plot rentals and regulations

Garden Plot Rental

Renting a plot at Garden by the Sea community garden is more than just a way to provide food security for your family. It is an intrinsic way to add value to your life by providing opportunities for fresh air, a healthy lifestyle, and fellowship with other gardeners. You can get creative with your space in the garden by adding artistic touches, or simply maximize your yield by using techniques such as companion planting and square foot gardening. If you are new to gardening, there are volunteers, veteran gardeners, and even local master gardeners available to help you whenever you need it. In short, your experience at Garden by the Sea is what you make it!

Description and Fees For Garden Plots

GARDEN PLOTS:
    1. STANDARD: 4′ x 8′ Raised Bed, 11″ deep ($25 annual rental plus $25 refundable clean up deposit – there are 28 beds)
    2. LARGE: 4′ x 10′ Raised Bed, 11″ deep ($30 annual rental plus $30 refundable clean up deposit – there are 3 beds)
    3. VINYL: 4′ x 4′ Raised Bed, 22″ deep ($25 annual rental plus $15 refundable clean up deposit – there are 8 beds)
    4. ACCESSIBLE: 2′ x 8′ Raised Bed, 36″ tall with 12″ bed of soil ($25 annual rental plus $15 refundable clean up deposit – there is 1 bed)

Use the form below to check on plot availability which is allocated on a first come first serve basis with new gardeners signing up at our Garden Opening (April 6, 2024). Below the form is a map of the garden plots and our rules & regulations. Thanks for your interest in Garden by the Sea!

The following plot types are currently available for rental on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS beginning on opening day April 6, 2024:
 
# — Plot Types Available *
4 — STANDARD: 4×8 plot available
1 — LARGE: 4×10 plot available
2 — VINYL: 4×4 plot available
1 — ACCESSIBLE: 2×8 plot available
 

We advise interested gardeners to CONTACT US EARLY FOR AN APPOINTMENT to rent a plot on opening day.

* Be aware that plots go fast in the spring and the above plot type available may change.

* NOTE: All appointments are currently filled … Please contact us to be added to our waitlist.

    Map of Garden Plots

    This is a plot number map of the Garden by the Sea (not to scale)

    Rules & Regulations

    Garden by the Sea – Personal Garden Rental Agreement
    Rules and Regulations

    Growing Season-Rental Agreement Rules and Regulations

    1. Gardeners may begin working in their assigned plots on opening day, weather permitting, or as otherwise arranged with GBTS. The rental fee is $25 or $30 per garden bed depending on size.  Plots must be cleared from all plants and weeds by season end November 1, 2024 or be charged a cleanup fee of $25.00 ($15 for 4×4’ plots, $30 for 4×10’ plots). The refundable cleanup fee will be collected along with your rental fee when you sign-up. For individuals requesting winter gardening, plots must be weeded and cleared of summer crop material by the November 1st deadline.
    2. GBTS is an organic gardening program. Use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers is strictly forbidden without prior approval from GBTS. Use of raw human or animal waste is not allowed due to health concerns.
    3. If a gardener or volunteer has problems or concerns within the community garden, their plot, common area, or another gardener or volunteer, the issue must first be directed to a member of the GBTS Board for resolution either by phone, email or in person.
    4. Gardeners are responsible for weeding inside their beds (and around the outside edges of the beds), planting, watering, litter pick-up, and at the end of the season, clean-up of their plots and assigned areas. Vegetable and flower waste should be chopped before placing in compost bin. Weeds & litter must be taken home for disposal…please do not leave in the garden for others to pick up. 
    5. When composting plant material you must follow the composting guidelines listed.  It is always best to chop, turn and dampen the pile, but not soak. Refer to the composting handout or the posted sign in the garden.
    6. The garden is to be used for recreational gardening; that is growing vegetables and flowers for personal, family or group use. However, excess produce and flowers may be harvested by our local food bank volunteers with your verbal, written or email permission prior to harvest days.
    7. Gardening for commercial purposes (for profit) is not allowed.
    8. Gardeners must be considerate of neighboring plots. Plants, vines and vegetation must be contained within the boundaries of one’s garden plot. Harvest only from your assigned plot.  Weeding around the outside of your garden and pathway must be done in order to keep slugs and other pests away. Any additional pots, structures, or other items kept outside the plot must have the approval of the GBTS board president.
    9. To prevent the blocking of sunlight to neighboring plots, no solid structure taller than 2 feet is permitted without prior approval from GBTS. A trellis is acceptable.
    10. No illegal plants may be grown, including any plants listed by the Washington State Weed Control Board as noxious weeds. See their web page at:  www.nwcb.wa.gov/printable-noxious-weed-list. Mint and other invasive plants are strongly discouraged.
    11. Water spigots will be supplied by GBTS for the entire community garden to utilize.  Hoses must be coiled up after use.  Watering cans are also available.  Please make sure water is turned off when you are finished or follow posted guidelines whenever watering timers are installed.  Please report any water leaks to Karen Young at 425-255-4025 (phone or text), or to another GBTS board member.
    12. Garden equipment such as shovels, rakes, hand tools, gloves, wheelbarrows or composting tools must be cleaned and returned to the shed or designated area after use.  Please be sure to re-lock the shed and/or greenhouse properly and close all gates upon exiting.
    13. If you want someone not listed on the plot application to work your plot or pick your vegetables when you are sick or away, give this person written permission and notify us by email or phone.
    14. If you witness garden theft or vandalism, please call “911” or Ocean Shores Police non-emergency at (360) 533-8765. Garden by the Sea is not responsible for the loss of garden products and/or produce. For other garden situations such as water leaks, storm damage, etc. please contact Karen Young at 425-255-4025, or karen@gardenbytheseaoceanshores.org.
    15. All signs dealing with GBTS rules and regulations and special notice signs must be approved by the GBTS Board before being posted in the garden.
    16. Dogs, cats, and other animals are not allowed in the garden area except for certified service animals on a leash with current tags that are visible.
    17. Children under 12 years old in the garden area must be supervised by an adult at all times.
    18. No smoking, profanity, yelling, loud music, fires, firearms, or vehicles are allowed in the garden area.
    19. Gardeners who have not used and/or properly maintained their plots or met the gardening guidelines, as determined by the GBTS board, will be notified and given 7 days to remedy the situation. If the issue is not resolved within the time period, or a secondary breach of rules occurs, access to the gardener’s plot will be forfeited. No refund will be given. Properly maintaining the plot includes, but is not limit to, regular watering, weeding, and harvesting.
    20. Gardeners agree to return their plots to their original condition at the end of the season. Spring plot assignments will be on a first come, first served basis.
    21. Each gardener will complete a short orientation after signing up for their garden and will be given a segment of the common areas to weed and water during the growing season and/or asked to volunteer in other ways. Typical volunteer hours needed to maintain the garden averages 4-10 hours per gardener per year. If you are unable to provide volunteer time, a goodwill donation is requested to help us defer our maintenance expenses.

    CLICK LINK BELOW TO OPEN & PRINT/DOWNLOAD THE RULES & REGULATIONS ACCEPTANCE FORM, THEN SIGN AND RETURN IT TO GBTS:

    - GBTS RULES & REGS ACCEPTANCE FORM
    Release Form

    RELEASE FORM
    GARDEN BY THE SEA – A COMMUNITY GARDEN

    PERSONAL RELEASE FORM

    In exchange for the participation in work and/or activities of Garden by the Sea, a Community Garden, and/or the use of the property, facilities, and services, I on behalf of my organization, if any, heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns, hereby release and hold the Garden by the Sea, a Community Garden, a non-profit corporation and the Galilean Lutheran Church, a non-profit corporation, their officers, employees and agents harmless from all damages, suits, claims, liability, and demands for damages at law or in equity, which I, my organization, if any, my heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns may now have or claim to have or may later have against the Garden by the Sea, a Community Garden, and/or the Galilean Lutheran Church, both non-profit corporations, their successors or assigns or against their officers, employees, agents, councils by reason of the condition or nature of the real property where said community garden is located or for any other reason or cause.  I hereby acknowledge that Garden by the Sea, a Community Garden, and the Galilean Lutheran Church, have made no warranties or representations concerning the condition or nature of the real property where the community garden is located and that I will enter onto said real property and participate in work and/or activities at my own risk and with the full knowledge that there is a potential that I may injure myself or another in some way.

    I HEREBY DECLARE that I am 18 years of age, or older, and that I have read the above statements and understand the consequences of signing this release of liability form.

    CLICK BELOW TO OPEN & PRINT/DOWNLOAD THE RELEASE FORM, THEN SIGN IT AND BRING IT WITH YOU TO THE GARDEN.

    - GBTS Personal Release Form
    Covid 19 Guidelines

    Covid 19 Guidelines for Garden by the Sea

    Revised 1/12/2023

    Based on federal and state guidance, we have implemented these safety procedures for Garden by the Sea.  Please read through them carefully and agree to follow them to the best of your ability.

    • It is recommended gardeners have a mask available when in the garden. If you are alone working in the garden the mask can be kept available in a pocket etc.  It is encouraged to wear the mask whenever social distancing is not possible, especially when in the greenhouse with 2 or more people. Since everyone has different feelings about masks, please be respectful of others’ needs.
    • Everyone in the garden should maintain a distance of 6 feet or more whenever possible.
    • We have set up a dedicated hand washing station next to the shed. Paper towels will be in the greenhouse if needed, but gardeners must take all used towels with them.  Please use this station for handwashing only and not for washing produce or tools.
    • Please bring your own clean gloves, or single-use gloves, when working in the community garden. It is recommended gloves be worn at all times when in the garden.
    •  You are encouraged to bring your own tools and buckets from home.  A few hand tools, and various larger tools will be in the greenhouse for gardeners to use.
    • The porta-potty is available to use but will not be cleaned daily.
    • Anyone feeling ill should stay home.
    • Orientations for new gardeners will be given in-person. Orientations for existing gardeners can be done by phone, via Zoom, or in-person.

    It is important that everyone participates in these procedures so that all gardeners feel comfortable and safe when they spend time in the garden. These guidelines may change as the situation changes. Thank you for understanding!

    CLICK BELOW TO OPEN & PRINT/DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE COVID 19 GUIDELINES FOR GARDEN BY THE SEA

    - GBTS Covid 19 Guidelines