Memorial University Community Garden FAQ's

1. How do I learn more about the garden?
2. How do I become a member of the garden?
3. Do I have to be a member of the garden and have a plot to participate in the garden?
4. Is there a cost to be a member?
5. How long can I use the plot?
6. Who can be a member of the plot and can I share a plot with friends?
7. What is the role of the lead member?
8. I have been notified that I have been assigned a plot. Do I have to attend the spring orientation meeting?
9. What is my plot number?
10. Do I need my own tools?
11. How do I access the shed?
12. Do I need to provide my own seeds/plants?
13. How do I know what to plant?
14. How do I find out about events and workshops?
15. Is there water available?
16. Is there compost available?
17. Is there a garden plot available for individuals with mobility challenges?
18. How do I send a message to the Board of Directors?
19. Who is the community garden Board of Directors?
20. Can I become a member of the Board of Directors?

1. How do I learn more about the garden?
Check out: www.mun.ca/communitygarden, Memorial University Community Garden on Facebook or email: communitygarden@mun.ca

2. How do I become a member of the garden?
If you are a member of the Memorial University community (undergraduate student, graduate student, current or retired staff or faculty) and will be until November of the current year, you are eligible to apply for a plot. Notification of the application process will be posted on www.mun.ca/communitygarden, on the garden Facebook page, and at gazette.mun.ca/events/ in mid March with a deadline usually in late March. Plot selection is by lottery. Successful applicants are notified by e-mail. Successful applicants become lead members of a plot and can invite others to join the plot.

3. Do I have to be a member of the garden and have a plot to participate in the garden?
No. There are opportunities to participate in the garden without having a plot. Events and workshops that are open to the public will be posted on the garden website, on Facebook and on the Memorial events calendar. There are opportunities to volunteer and each year students are hired to help with the garden. E-mail communitygarden@mun.ca for more information.

4. Is there a cost to be a member?
There is an annual fee for each plot ($30 for a small plot or $50 for a large plot in 2023). The lead member is responsible for paying the fee during registration.

5. How long can I use the plot?
Plots may be kept for up to three years once assigned to the lead member. After this period, the member must give up the plot and wait at least one year to re-apply. This ensures that more members of the Memorial community are able to become members of the garden.

6. Who can be a member of the plot and can I share a plot with friends?
If you are a member of the Memorial University community (undergraduate student, graduate student, current or retired staff or faculty) you can be the lead member of a plot. It is up to the lead member to determine the members of the plot.The plot can be shared with other members of the Memorial community and family members. All members must sign the Garden Agreement.

7. What is the role of the lead member?
The lead member is responsible for making sure the plot agreement is adhered to, and for ensuring the plot is cleaned up at the end of the season. The lead member is the only individual from the group who can apply to renew the plot for the following season (and only if they continue to be a member of the Memorial University community).

8. I have been notified that I have been assigned a plot. Do I have to attend the spring orientation meeting?
At least one member from each plot must attend one of the orientation sessions. It is worthwhile (even if you have attended previous years and/or are an experienced gardener) as you will hear new information about the garden.

9. What is my plot number?
If you haven’t already received your plot number, send an e-mail to communitygarden@mun.ca.

10. Do I need my own tools?
There are tools for garden members’ use stored in the shed. Please treat the tools as if they were your own and return them, cleaned, to their proper location. If you are last to leave the garden site, please ensure that the shed is locked.

11. How do I access the shed?
The combination to the shed lock will be given at the orientation meeting. Please note that this combination should not be given to anyone whose signature is not on your Members Agreement. Note that you have to move the numbers off the combination to lock it again.

12. Do I need to provide my own seeds/plants?
Yes. Sometimes members will leave seeds or seedlings in the shed with a note that they are free for the taking if they have too many. We encourage sharing of seeds and plants.

13. How do I know what to plant?
We have information and useful links posted on our website. Throughout the season, we will offer workshops with our garden advisors.

14. How do I find out about events and workshops?
Garden members will be contacted by email when there are upcoming events and workshops. Events and workshops will be listed on the garden website, on the garden Facebook page and on the Memorial events calendar.

15. Is there water available?
There is a tap located near the shed with different lengths of hoses available for attachment. Additionally, there are water barrels in the garden and watering cans are located in the shed.

16. Is there compost available?
Compost is pre-mixed into the plots. Please note that the compost used in the Community Garden is fish-based, so anyone with fish allergies should be made aware of this. Each year, additional compost is purchased for members to add to their plots. Members of the garden will be notified by e-mail when it is available. There are compost bins in the garden. These are for garden waste and raw fruit/vegetable waste ONLY. That is, it’s okay to put in the apple core from your lunch, but not your leftover sandwich. Please see the bulletin board in the shed for more information on what is acceptable to put in the compost bins.

17. Is there a garden plot available for individuals with mobility challenges?
Yes. The accessible plot is 28 inches high as compared to other plots that are 12 inches high. Applicants must have a condition that necessitates the use of a wheelchair or other mobility device, or a condition that would not allow him or her to effectively garden in a non-accessible plot.

18. How do I send a message to the Board of Directors?
Please e-mail communitygarden@mun.ca with any questions about the Community Garden or gardening in general.

19. What is the Community Garden Board of Directors?
The Board is a group of volunteers from all sectors of campus (students, staff, and faculty) who are interested in the Community Garden and who have been working for different lengths of time on the garden. The Board’s role is to oversee the funding allocated to the garden, to develop and manage policies related to the Community Garden and to facilitate a sense of community through workshops and public events.

20. Can I become a member of the Board of Directors?
Yes. We would be happy to have help on the Board or in some other way! Please e-mail communitygarden@mun.ca if you are interested in receiving more information.

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to e-mail communitygarden@mun.ca.