Dowling Community Garden opens its waitlist once a year from September 1 to September 30. We run the waitlist by lottery and open a limited number of spots in order to keep the waitlist to 1-2 years. Those selected will be notified by email.
Interested in joining us? Check back in September when a link to the lottery will be posted here.
A community garden plot is different from a home garden. You should consider:
Layout and access
Weeds - in and near your plot
Time commitment
Watering
Waste removal and composting
Rules are rigorously enforced
All plots need
An inch of water per week - from rain or from watering
Weed control, including hand weeding and/or mulching
Soil health, composting and fertilizing
Plan for removing plant waste - compost on site or remove for home collection
Small plot (200-400 sq ft, categories A/B) - this type of plot is good for
Those who plan to visit once or twice a week.
Casual or beginner gardeners, or who don’t live nearby.
People who don’t want a big weeding and watering project but enjoy a selection of their favorite fresh veggies, fruit, and flowers.
Example designs:
A fresh eating garden with basil, tomatoes, zucchini, salad greens and other herbs
A kid-friendly, bountiful garden with cherry tomatoes, mini bell peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, marigolds and zinnias
A zesty salsa garden filled with herbs, tomatoes, peppers, tomatilloes and onions
A tried-and-true garden of perennials like berries, rhubarb or asparagus plus some favorite varieties of tomatoes, peppers, sunflowers, or dahlias
Time commitment:
Spring prep (weeding, mulching, compost) and planting: 10-15 hours in April/May
Weekly summer maintenance (weeding, watering): 3-4 hours per week May to September
Fall cleanup (weeding, mulching): 5-10 hours in October/November
Medium plot (400-500 sq ft, categories C/D) is good for
Those who plan to spend 3-4 days a week at the garden.
Hobby gardeners
People who like to plan their garden in advance and know how they want to use their produce (fresh, preserved, or donated).
Example features:
A variety of varieties, like different types of hardy greens, tomatoes, and squash
Some perennials or vegetables like garlic that overwinter
Sprawling plants like pumpkins, summer squash, or butternut squash
Flowers for cutting and for pollinators
Semi-permanent infrastructure like paths or a compost bin
Time commitment:
Spring prep (weeding, mulching, compost) and planting: 15-20 hours in April/May
Weekly summer maintenance (weeding, watering): 6-8 hours per week May to September
Fall cleanup (weeding, mulching): 10-15 hours in October/November
Large plot (500+ sq ft, categories E/F/G)
Best for people who are experienced and dedicated gardeners - plan to spend 10+ hours a week at the garden from May to September
Example features
Trellises and extensive supports
Irrigation
Dedicated areas for perennials
Typically these plots are reserved for returning Dowling gardeners who have demonstrated they are comfortable managing a larger plot