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GARDEN SITES

Matthaei

The Garden

Project Grow's Matthaei Community Garden is located at 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., on the grounds of the University of Michigan's Matthaei Botanical Gardens (MBG).  The property is loaned to us by the University of Michigan.  The fenced-in area used by Project Grow is also used by Campus Farm.

MBG partners with Indigenous Tribes on a Heritage Seed Initiative, which requires that some plants NOT be grown in this community garden location. Site Coordinators will share details prior to the start of each growing season.

Apply for a plot
Matthaei
28

Annual Plots

Plot Information

Soil

The soil texture is clay, has average nutrient holding capacity and is 5% organic matter which is ideal. Previous soil testing showed Matthaei's soil to be alkaline, with a pH of 7.8. Most vegetable crops prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil. Sawdust, composted leaves, wood chips, and leaf mold will lower the soil pH.

Plot Size

Plot sizes are fullsize (25’ x 30’) unless designated with an asterisk(*) to denote half-size plot. If a fullsize plot needs to be divided in half, the half-size plots are labeled N, S, E, W (e.g. 9N & 9S).
View Map of Garden Plots

Parking

Non-member Matthaei Botanical Gardens visitors are required to pay for parking. Project Grow will provide all of its Matthaei gardeners with a code which will allow them to park in the unpaved lot west of the garden sites.

Gardeners may use the gravel road that runs adjacent to the gardens ONLY for loading and unloading cars. Vehicles left unattended will be ticketed.

Water

Water comes from a nearby well and pump that is furnished by MBG. Water is generally turned on in May and off in September. Please conserve water by mulching well and watering only when necessary. No sprinklers please. Please tuck the hose along the edge of the plots after each use; do not leave the hose in the grassy pathways. If you spot a leak in the hose lines, either make the repairs yourself or notify the site coordinators.

While good for the garden, the water is not for drinking (non-potable).

Tools

A supply of tools is kept in a plastic tool shed. Please return tools to the shed after use. If you have any tools that you wish to donate to the garden, feel free to put them in the shed and then notify the site coordinators.

Animals/Pests

The existing deer fence at MBG surrounds the community gardens, but as with any garden, smaller wildlife (such as raccoons, groundhogs, and rabbits) are always attracted to the plentiful food in a garden. Gardeners will need to employ techniques to deter wildlife. Some gardeners choose to install a low chicken wire fence around their own plots. We recommend black/green plastic or wire fencing. (Please do not use orange construction fence and remember to remove your fencing at the end of the season). For the best results, bury the fence 8” below ground and bend it away from the garden to stop animals digging underneath.

Composting

Any organic waste generated during the growing season may be tilled into the soil or taken home for curbside or personal composting. Diseased plants should always be removed from the site, to minimize the presence of pathogens in the gardens. Do not create compost piles anywhere outside your garden plot or outside the garden fencing.

Communication

We use a 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, Project Grow monthly newsletters also contain important information about upcoming projects and events.

Gardener Comments and Suggestions

Reappearing groundhogs; now next door to U-M Campus Farm; convenient parking with addition of new gate; location makes it seem that you are out in the country, though you're right in the botanical gardens.

Location

Matthaei

1800 N. Dixboro Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Monday - Sunday
Dawn to Dusk

Maintenance

Garden Maintenance

The major perimeters and paths of the garden are mowed by the MBG maintenance staff 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.

Individual Plot Maintenance

All gardeners are responsible for keeping weeds down in their plots and along the adjacent pathways. Various mulches, in keeping with the Project Grow gardening guidelines, may be used in your garden to inhibit weed growth, conserve water, and promote a hospitable micro-climate for plants and worms. Marsh hay is usually available in the spring, delivered to the garden from a local grower for a reasonable fee. If interested in learning more about marsh hay deliveries contact your site coordinator.

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 will be reassigned or solarized. Contact your site coordinator or the office if you are having problems getting started or if you have to abandon your plot.

Fall cleanup

Your plot must be cleared by dusk on the third Saturday in October.

Organic material must be chopped up and spread evenly across your plot, to be plowed under later. Take home all non-organic materials, 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 expulsion from the garden.

Site Coordinators

Susan Ederer & Wayne Jones

For more information contact Project Grow's Managing Director at [email protected]