Community Gardens

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Photo of hands holding small plant seedlings

Grow and eat local with your own community garden plot!

When you grow an edible garden not only are you are enjoying a healthy, inexpensive, all-ages friendly outdoor recreation, it is also a fantastic Take Action experience which contributes to Burlington’s Climate Action Plan.

Back in 2012 Burlington’s community garden program began with a 30-plot garden at Central Park. Now so many Burlington folks want a sunny space to grow their own food the program has expanded to five community gardens with 216 plots available, plus more on the planning horizon. Thirteen are raised accessible plots for people with limited mobility. Ten donation plots are dedicated to providing fresh food to local food bank programs run by the volunteers of BurlingtonGreen and Burlington Food Bank.

COVID-19 Update

On April 25, 2020, the Province lifted emergency orders to permit the use of community gardens across Ontario stating these gardens are an essential source of fresh food for some individuals and families, including those who face food insecurity. Burlington's community gardens opened over the May long weekend. Only those assigned a garden plot may participate and no visitors are allowed entry.

The Halton Medical Officer of Health has provided recommendations for COVID-19 operating procedures and safety instructions (updated May 21) that the permitted gardeners and City staff must comply with so all may garden safely.

Dig In

All plots have been assigned for 2020. All plots are assigned by a lottery draw for each season.
You should expect to visit your garden on average twice per week depending on weather, maintenance and harvest needs, and arrange for vacation coverage.
The plot permit fee is $51 each season.
Each community garden has full sun, and supplies water, soil, compost, wood chips for pathways, a storage shed, some large tools, compost bins and a picnic table. Specific garden descriptions are below.
A friendly community garden program coordinator visits the gardens and is available year-round by phone or email to provide gardening tips or answer any questions about the community garden program.

Plot styles


Raised accessible plots: 1m x 3m	Ground plots: 2m x 3.6m

Apply

Applications for the 2021 season must be received between Dec. 1, 2019 to Nov. 30, 2020 to be included in the early December 2020 lottery draw.

Due to high demand garden plot permits are for one season. All plots must be entirely cleared at the end of the season. Annual permit holders may re-enter the next season’s lottery which will include the wait list and new applicants.
You can select your preferred garden location and plot style.
Only Burlington residents over 18 years may apply. One per household please.
It is the responsibility of all applicants and plot permit holders to inform the community garden coordinator of any change to your contact information.
You must have read and agree to the garden rules.

Garden Rules

Welcome to Burlington's Community Gardens. It is important for the success, security, and smooth functioning of these community gardens that all gardeners and guests read, clearly understand, and comply with the following garden regulations. Please contact the Community Garden Coordinator at communitygardens@burlington.ca or call 289-983-6527 with any questions.

Gardeners and their guests must comply with all City of Burlington bylaws, including By-Law No. 35-1976 (being a by-law to regulate the public parks in the City of Burlington) as amended and all City of Burlington policies, including the Zero Tolerance Policy. In 2020, there are additional COVID-19 operating and safety instructions (updated May 21).
Each Gardener is responsible for the proper maintenance of their Garden Plot throughout the duration of the Growing Season, including normal watering, weeding, harvesting, and general care of the Garden Plot. Each Gardener is responsible for providing his/her own tools and equipment, however some common use tools are supplied in the garden shed.
If a Garden Plot appears unplanted by June 30, or messy and unattended throughout the season without the Community Garden Coordinator receiving any notice from the Gardener of an acceptable reason, then the Garden Plot will be considered abandoned and it will be reassigned to the next person on the waiting list. The Gardener will have no claim for damages for such reassignment.
Use of chemical insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers is prohibited. Only integrated pest management, companion planting, diatomaceous earth, and insecticidal soaps may be used to control pests. Only compost and composted manures may be used in soil conditioning and fertilization. Visit omafra.gov.on.ca for more information
Trees and other woody perennial plants are not allowed in the Garden Plot. Vegetables, berries, fruits, grains, beans, herbs, and companion flowers are allowed. Garden Plots and surrounding pathways must be kept free of weeds going to seed, pests, and diseases. Tall plants and vines are only allowed in locations where they will not interfere or shade other plots.
Planting of cannabis as legislated by the Cannabis Act, other illegal plants and noxious weeds is prohibited. For more information visit https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/introduction-cannabis-act-questions-answers.html#a4 and http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/noxious_weeds.htm.
Invasive plants (e.g. mint, Jerusalem artichoke, etc.) must be contained. Plant materials that are on Ontario's Invasive Species list are prohibited. Visit powerhalton.ca for more information.
Garden Plots cannot be expanded beyond its measurement into paths or other plots.
Gardeners must use the recycling and trash bins as provided in the Park or Garden Plot enclosure. If no bins are available, then each Gardener is responsible for disposing of their garbage. Gardeners must pick up litter when seen and use the recycling bins when appropriate. Any diseased plants, or seedy or invasive weeds are to be bagged and put into trash bins to prevent contamination of compost or other plots.
Gardeners may use the composter for all plant material that is not diseased, seedy or invasive, or bring the material home for yard waste disposal. When using the compost bins Gardeners should layer newly applied plant material (i.e. green) with active compost from below to accelerate the decomposition process.
No pets are allowed to roam free in the Garden Plot enclosure. Any pet must be on a leash and remain beside their owner's plot.
Children must be supervised by an adult.
Laneways and paths must be kept clear of obstacles such as tomato cages and plant supports.
Bicycles, trailers, baby strollers and wagons may be brought inside the Garden Plot enclosure, but should not block laneways or paths.
Each Gardener is responsible for the security and safe-keeping of his/her own tools and equipment. Gardeners may use the tool shed for storage at their own risk. Gardeners should label their property and tidy up tools prior to leaving.
No lock combinations should be given to another person that is not a gardening partner. Each Gardener shall close and lock the gates and tool shed each time they vacate the Garden Plot enclosure.
Installation of any fencing, plant supports, walking boards, tarps, frost blankets or other materials in the Garden Plot must be temporary and removed at the end of the garden season, and should not block sunlight from a neighbouring plot.
Gardeners shall be courteous to and considerate of other gardeners and visitors. Use of abusive or profane language is prohibited. Smoking, alcohol, and loud music are prohibited. Each Gardener is solely responsible for the behaviour of their guests.
Gardeners must not apply anything to, or pick anything from, another gardener's plot without that gardener's express approval. Theft of items will result in expulsion from the Garden Plot enclosure.
Water supply is limited so Gardeners should use water sparingly. Gardeners must ensure that the water tap is shut off and that the garden hose is neatly returned at every visit. Gardeners should use the garden hose to fill and maintain water in the nearest water barrel and replace the lid to avoid mosquitoes entering. Gardeners must refrain from leaving open containers that may collect stagnant water.
Gardening activity must take place during daylight hours.
Sale of produce from plants is prohibited. Produce must be for personal use and consumption. Donation of produce from Gardeners to local food banks is encouraged but voluntary.
Gardeners must report any vandalism, damage, or needed repair of the community garden infrastructure and amenities (e.g. fencing, plot frames, compost, hose bib, water hose, hose reel, lockbox, shed, etc.) to the Community Garden Coordinator. Gardeners must immediately notify the Community Garden Coordinator by phone/text or email of any issues or unusual activities.
Francis Road Bikeway Gardeners and Amherst Park Gardeners must use on street parking spaces. Gardeners must adhere to all parking by-laws.
Gardeners must advise the Community Garden Coordinator of any change in contact information.
Gardeners are encouraged to check garden tip notices on the communication boards in the shed. Any information posted or written on the community boards must be polite and respectful, related to vacation help requests, gardening, harvesting, food preservation, produce donation, produce swapping, or recipes.
Gardeners cannot transfer plots to other people. At the end of the Growing Season Gardeners will be asked to confirm their interest in taking part in the garden plot lottery for the following year.
Gardeners must provide to the Community Garden Coordinator the name(s) of any gardening partner(s) who are allowed access to the Garden Plot. If the Gardener is away for more than two weeks they must find someone to look after their Garden Plot or request assistance and inform the Community Garden Coordinator.
If the Gardener plans to discontinue use of the Garden Plot, they must notify the Community Garden Coordinator so the plot can be reassigned, collectively managed or cleared by the Gardener prior to leaving.
Permits are for one season only. Gardeners do not retain plots year over year until further notice. On or before the last day of the Growing Season, all plants, produce, and personal property of the Gardener must be removed from the Garden Plot and the Garden Plot enclosure, and the Garden Plot must be restored to a condition satisfactory to the City. If such items have not been removed after the Growing Season, then they will be deemed to have been abandoned and such items will be disposed of at the discretion of the City and there will be no liability for such disposal.
If a Gardener feels that any of these Regulations have been violated, then he/she must provide a written complaint to the Community Garden Coordinator.
If a Gardener violates any of these Regulations then the Gardener will be contacted by the Community Garden Coordinator and the Gardener must resolve the issue as directed. If the violation has not been remedied to the satisfaction of the Community Garden Coordinator, then their Permit may be terminated without refund.
Any disagreements or disputes relating to these Regulations will be referred to the City and the decision of the City will be final.

Application Form

Printed application forms are available at:

Service Burlington, City Hall, 426 Brant St.
Seniors Centre, 2285 New St.
Brant Hills Community Centre, 2255 Brant St.
Haber Community Centre, 3040 Tim Dobbie Dr.
Tansley Woods Community Centre, 1996 Itabashi Way

Next Steps:

The community garden coordinator will notify you on the outcome of the lottery in early December 2020. Successful applicants will be assigned a garden plot and provided the garden program code to register.
A $51 fee is due when you register by April 15, 2021.
There will be a meeting in late April at each garden to meet the community garden coordinator, sign a plot permit, receive an orientation and obtain the lock combination for entry into the garden.

Are donations accepted?

Yes, please! Donations of tools in good condition, patio umbrellas with stands, vegetable seeds and seedlings are welcome. Please contact the community garden coordinator at communitygardens@burlington.ca.

Do you offer tours of the gardens?

Cancelled due to COVID-19 until further notice.

Yes, free tours for horticulture groups, school field trips, or youth groups can be arranged for any location by contacting the community garden coordinator at at communitygardens@burlington.ca.

Can more community gardens be built?

Burlington's Strategic Plan 2015 - 2040 supports the development of new community gardens across Burlington which may be built and operated either by the City on park land, or by community groups on private, faith, institutional and school lands.

If you have a location idea for a garden you’d like to explore further the community garden coordinator is available to consult with any Burlington agency, business, school or resident group. A suitable garden location should meet basic criteria including: level uncontaminated site, full sun, water access, near transit, near mixed medium to high multi-unit housing, and have a supporting community group.

Funding opportunities for new community gardens: (Be sure to check application deadlines.)