Garden Plot Application
By completing the application you agree to the commitments outlined on this page. Scroll down to read all guidelines.
Minimum of 7 volunteer hours for the garden community
Keep the Garden Clean & Healthy
Agree to Garden Stewardship
Agree to Gardening Season Timeframe
Agree to watering rules
Garden Plot Gardener
$125 – New Garden Plot
$60 – Returning to same Garden Plot Number
Includes:
Seasonal use of a planting box
Access to and use of communal facilities including gardening implements, water and hoses, composting bins, and shed
Full voice and vote at Taylor Street Farms meetings
One vote per garden plot
Gardener Commitment
Review the rules and commitments of being a part of Taylor Street Farms prior to submitting an application.
Minimum of 7 volunteer hours for the garden community
Helping options include mowing the lawn, managing the water hook-up, filling water barrels, coordinating crop donations, assisting with the family program, participating in workdays and making general repairs. Please email ideas about projects that you can lead to taylorstreetfarms@gmail.com
Keep the Garden Clean & Healthy
Keep the garden space safe by putting tools away and supervising children.Teach children the proper use of gardening equipment.
Keep pets on the outside of the garden fence. Remove any pet waste from around the property.
Wash hands regularly. Cover mouth with elbow for a cough or sneeze.
Spray tool handles with alcohol before and after use, making sure to leave the alcohol on the surface for 10 seconds before use.
Stay home if you feel sick.
Agree to Garden Stewardship
Maintain bed area with care.
Use only organic fertilizers and insect repellents and avoid any type of herbicide.
Maintain healthy soil using organic methods (e.g., using compost, planting cover crops, and reducing tillage).
Use natural materials in lieu of plastics or synthetics.
Avoid planting genetically modified plants.
Be considerate of neighboring farmers by controlling tall or sprawling crops. Additional planting containers around the plot are not allowed.
Some plants are not allowed. Do not plant mint, lemon balm, cane fruits, blackberries, raspberries in plots.
Remove weeds before they go to seed.
Put only healthy organic waste capable of decaying easily in TSF’s compost pile.
Cut all compost into small, 5” long pieces before adding to the garden compost pile.
Trash, sick plants and weeds should NOT be placed in the compost. Please dispose of these items at home.
Trash
Pick up trash and dispose of them at home.
Bring your own waste bag.
Dig up weeds and sick plants to throw away at home.
Avoid adding blooming or seeding weeds to the compost.
Pick crops from my own bed only. Ensure guests do the same!
Pay the dues to help cover garden expenses such as water, supplies, and services.
Agree to Garding Season Timeframe
Daily garden hours are from sunrise to sunset.
Close the gate during your visit (lock the gate when you leave if there is a lock present)
Plant by July 1 or the plot will be forfeited.
Notify the Steering Committee at taylorstreetfarms@gmail.com if you must abandon your bed for any reason.
Clear plot of inorganic materials by November 15 of your paid membership year
Winterize plot by removing non-cover crops by December 1, unless you submit payment for the following season.
Agree to Watering Rules
Conserve water. Chicago Water Department gives TSF permission to open the hydrant on the condition that we conserve water.
Water other garden plots only when asked/or see “please water sign”
Turn off leaky hoses at the base and notify the Steering Committee about leaks via email at taylorstreetfarms@gmail.com
Thank you for your interest in gardening with Taylor Street Farms
Learn more about the garden’s by-laws
Urban Farming in Chicago
AT THE CORNER OF ADA & ARTHINGTON STREETS IN NEAR-WEST CHICAGO
© 2023 Taylor Street Farms
