Frequently Asked Questions
Plot Issues
1. How do I get a garden plot in the community garden?
New garden renters are welcomed to sign up for plots on a first come first serve basis at our Garden Opening Celebration in the early spring. We will post the date on our website and Facebook page early in the year so people can mark their calendars. Existing gardeners are allowed to keep their spot in the garden, or turn it over to a new person.
2. How many plots are available each year for new people?
We usually have anywhere from 8 to 15 beds available for new gardeners every spring.
3. What sizes of raised beds do you have?
We have beds that are 4’x8’ (11” deep), 4’x4’ (22’ deep), and 2’x8’ (accessible bed 36” tall with a planting depth of 12”).
4. Can I change to a different plot once I have signed up?
If you have not started gardening and there is an empty plot available, it usually is no problem to change. We often sell out our available beds early in the season, so the next available time to switch plots would be the beginning of the next year.
5. Can I rent two or more plots?
Not usually. The only exception would be if not all plots are rented by others in the community by the end of April. At that point we will open up the extra beds to current renters. Only one bed is guaranteed to each gardener to rent the following year, however.
Cost & Deposit Issues
1. What is the cost to rent a garden plot at GBTS?
(Check Plot Rental Page For Current Prices) In the past, each one has been $25 for the annual rental, plus a refundable clean-up deposit of either $25 or $15 depending on the size of the bed.
2. Why do you collect a “clean-up” deposit?
At the end of the growing season, each gardener is required to have their garden plot cleared of crops and weeds. If they abandon their bed and don’t have it ready for the next year, the deposit covers our cost to clean it out for them.
3. I am a current gardener with GBTS, do I need to pay another clean-up deposit next year?
No. Gardeners that return to the garden each season have their deposits carried over from the prior year(s). When the new season starts you will simply pay the annual rental fee for your plot.
4. How do I get my refundable deposit back?
Once you have decided not to return to the community garden, just let us know and as long as you are leaving your garden plot in good shape, we will process the deposit refund for you. Many of our gardeners choose to not have their deposits refunded as a way to make a donation to the garden, so of course we welcome that option as well.
5. Are all of your operating costs covered by the plot rental fees?
No, the fees only cover about a third of our annual expenses for the community garden. We make up the balance with donations from the community, and by holding fundraisers such as plant and seed sales or large events such as a salmon bake, wine and cheese tasting, and silent auctions.
Volunteer/Membership Issues
1. How do I sign up as a volunteer?
Simply check out our volunteer page for information on the types of ways you can help at the garden and then give us a call or send us a message so we can get you started!
2. How do I become a member of Garden by The Sea?
Members include all individuals that rent a plot at the garden, as well as the members of our board of trustees.
3. How many membership meetings do you have a year?
We have one annual meeting that all members are encouraged to attend. It will be posted in the event calendar section of this website when it is scheduled.
General Issues
1. Does GBTS practice organic gardening?
Yes, we do. We encourage all our volunteers and gardeners to use organic fertilizers and pesticides within the garden.
2. Do the deer ever come into the garden?
In our entire history we have only had one deer walk into the garden because someone accidently left the gate open. All of our gardeners and volunteers are typically extremely vigilant in remembering to close the gate so, no, we don’t have problems with deer. Our fence has done a fine job of keeping them out!
3. Is Garden by the Sea a non-profit organization?
Yes, we are 501(c)(3) organization and are managed 100% with volunteers.
