Community Garden Agreement 2026
Compliance
All plots are subject to occasional inspection. Non-compliance with the rules, terms, and conditions is cause for exclusion from the garden and loss of your plot.
1. You will receive one email or text warning from the Garden Manager.
2. If no response or correction has been made, you will receive written notice one week later.
3. In another week, if no response or correction has been made, you will receive written final notification that you have forfeited your gardening privileges and plot.
Rules, Terms, and Conditions for Participation
As a member of the Mount Airy Community Garden; I agree to abide by the following rules, terms, and conditions:
1. I use this garden at the sole discretion of the Town of Mount Airy. I agree to abide by its policies and practices. The Town of Mount Airy is not responsible for any injury or damage to person or property.
2. The fee for the use of the garden is $60.00 per full plot, $30.00 per half plot/raised bed, per year (January 1 – December 31), due before January 1st or at sign up. There are no refunds.
3. I may garden year-round. I will cultivate and plant within a reasonable timeframe. The Community Garden season begins April 1st. Garden plots must be planted by May 31. Plots that are not planted by the planting deadline are assumed abandoned and will be forfeited without refund. Plots must be cleared of all weeds, dead material, & debris by November 1st. My plot cannot be left fallow or unused, unless covered to prevent weeds, for any period of three weeks or longer June 1st – October 1st.
4. My plot is defined by a number and concrete markers. I will not expand my plot beyond this measurement or into paths or other plots. I will keep all my plants within the limits of my garden plot and will not allow any plants to grow more than five feet high. I must keep my plot free of weeds, pests, and diseases.
• Corn clause: Corn is not allowed in the Community Garden, as it may shade other plots. If interested in an area to grow corn, please contact the Garden Manager dheartley@mountairymd.gov by April 1st. If there is enough interest, we will plow a new plot for corn.
5. I will keep my plot, paths, and surrounding areas clean and neat. I will remove all trash and debris: compost to the bins provided, trash in receptacle, invasive plants (Poison Hemlock) and seeds to hillside. I will put each type of waste only in the areas designated specifically for each. Anything I bring from my home I will take back home. I will not bring household trash and leave it at the Community Garden.
6. If I must abandon my plot for any reason, I will notify the Garden Manager. Abandoned plots do not exclude returning in the following year provided Garden Manager was notified and plot is not overgrown.
7. I will not plant any prohibited on public land plant. I will not smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or use illegal drugs in the garden. I will not come to the garden while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. I will not bring weapons or animals to the garden.
8. Guests and visitors, including children, may enter the garden only if I accompany them. They must follow all rules, terms, and conditions stated here. I will supervise my children at all times when they are in the garden. I am solely responsible for the behavior of my guests.
9. I will water my plot according to water-wise guidelines. Hoses are discouraged; however, they are not banned. I MUST be present when watering. I take full responsibility and will replace any damage to other plots/plants damaged by hose activity. Water must be turned off when not in use. The Town of Mount Airy will provide buckets to carry water from the water spigot. When done using the bucket, it should be returned to the water spigot. Sprinklers are not allowed.
10. I agree to participate in garden events. Events include Garden Opening, Summer Picnic, and End of Year Garden Cleanup.
11. I will attend one or more gardener talk/classes. Seven classes are being scheduled, from March to September, dates and topics TBD.
12. I will not apply any non-organic pesticides/herbicide in the garden.
13. I will not plant invasive plants as listed at https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Documents/Invasive_plants_cards.pdf
14. I will respect other gardeners, and I will not use abusive or profane language or discriminate against others. I will not take food or plants from other gardeners’ plots. I will not take anything from the garden that is not rightfully mine.
15. Raised bedsides can be added but must be garden safe materials. Beds should be raised no more than 1-foot in height.
16. I will work to keep the garden a secure and enjoyable place where all participants can garden and socialize peacefully in a neighborly manner. Gates should be closed securely and locked when leaving.
*Rules are subject to change*
