The Zion garden is located behind Zion Lutheran Church at 1501 West Liberty. It has 10 plots. 

 

Planned soil improvements cannot be done until May and we do not expect the garden to open until about June 1st. Because of the shortened season, plots at Zion will be discounted about 20% - $65 instead of $80 for a half plot and $105 instead of $130 for a full plot. Gardeners should register for the site and pay the regular price online and we will refund a portion of your payment.

 

MAP OF GARDEN:  Zion Map

 

SITE COORDINATOR: To be determined.

 

SOIL: The soil is badly compacted but more than 10 yards of soil and compost mix (about 6 inches depth) will be added to each plot before the garden opens.

 

FOOD DONATION: Zion asks that gardeners donate 10% of what they grow at the site to charity. The Zion Faith and Food Garden already has an established pickup at English Gardens and produce can be brought there for pickup by Food Gatherers.

 

INDIVIDUAL PLOT MAINTENANCE:  All gardeners are responsible for keeping weeds down in their plots and along the adjacent pathways. Various mulches may be used in a garden to inhibit weed growth, conserve water, and promote a hospitable micro-climate for plants and worms. Any non-organic mulch (black plastic, etc.) should be covered with some type of organic mulch.

 

GARDEN MAINTENANCE:  The major perimeters of the garden are mowed by Zion Lutheran Church but only if we keep the area free from organic refuse and other debris and stones. Please pile rocks in designated areas only....rocks break mower blades! Please take all non-organic materials home with you when you leave the site. Please help make the gardens beautiful this summer by maintaining your own plot and keeping the gardens free from debris, etc.

 

WATER:  Water comes from a hydrant that also serves the Faith and Food garden. The spigot is in the Faith and Food Garden. Watering of gardens is never to be unattended; hose timers are prohibited.

 

COMPOSTING:  Any organic waste generated during the growing season may be tilled into the soil or taken home for composting by the city.

 

However, diseased plants should always be removed from the site, to minimize the presence of pathogens in the gardens. 

 

Please do not create renegade compost piles anywhere outside of your garden plot.

 

TOOLS:  Tools for community use will be stored in near the entrance to the garden.

 

COMMUNICATION:  Expect a few email asking you to help out with volunteer tasks. In recent years, we have also used the garden group email list to make important announcements.  If you have not already notified us of your email address, let us know right away! Finally, e-newsletters will also contain important information about upcoming projects and events. 

 

ABANDONED PLOTS:  Plots that have not been seriously worked by June 1st or are overgrown with weeds taller than 18” at any point in the season will be considered abandoned and may be reassigned. Contact your site coordinator or the office if you are having problems getting started or if you have to abandon your plot.

 

FALL CLEAN-UP:  Your plot must be cleared no later than day's end on Saturday, October 15th, 2016. Organic material may be chopped up and spread evenly across your plot to be plowed in later. Take home all non-organic material, i.e. fences, stakes, plastic, paper, etc. Failure to clean up your plot according to the guidelines set forth in the Member Handbook may result in discharge from the garden.