Community Gardens Rules

All gardeners are to be members of the Harvest Community Gardens Network

Gardeners are to be familiar with and comply with the Risk Management rules

All plots must be “actively gardened” during the gardening season (1 Sept to 31 May) and if they are not, you will be contacted and have three weeks to get gardening, or forgo your plot.

There is an annual gardening donation fee of $50 per member to cover ongoing expenses. If you cannot afford to make a donation, you may request a waiver, discount or payment plan.

A $100 bond must be paid when you become a member. The bond will be returned when you cease to be a member if you leave your plot in good order, tidy and free from rubbish. Failure to leave your plot in good order, tidy and free from rubbish will result in a forfeiture of your bond.

If you have not made the annual donation within 30 days of being sent your annual donation invoice, please be aware that your plot may be allocated to another gardener if there is a waiting list for plots.

If you are allocated a plot during winter, you are expected to prepare the ground for spring planting by mulching the area and/or clearing the ground.
If there is no evidence of the plot being used within six weeks of being allocated, you will not be given any notice and it will be reallocated to the waiting list for plots
“Active gardening” is defined as actively sowing and harvesting annual crops September through May while also preventing proliferation of weeds by not letting them overrun and turn to seed. Assessments to be made by the Gardens Committee 31 October, 15 January, 31 March during the season.
During the growing season, if your produce on your plot is not harvested, we will contact you and request permission to harvest and donate the produce to local charities such as the Salvation Army, Baskets of Blessing and Happiness House
If you make any direct produce donations to charities, please photograph and email details to us so that we can keep a record of quantities of produce donated to assist us in future funding applications and to use on our social media
The gardens run on “organic”, naturally grown principles therefore no use of inorganic, synthetic pesticides, herbicides ie. glyphosate, insecticides, fungicides, snail pellets etc are permitted.
Organic and BioGro certified products are allowed. Natural fertilisers such as manure and compost are preferred. Inorganic, synthetic fertilisers are not allowed.
You are expected to take part in working bees and help maintain the common areas.
No chemically treated pallets shall be used on site. No new tyres to be brought to the gardens – only existing ones on-site may be used. Preferably all existing tyres should be removed from the site.
Please check with the Committee before constructing anything on-site. Our lease from Queenstown Lakes District Council has conditions which must be complied with. Buildings/installations must be temporary structures ie. not placed on a concrete pad.
No wood fires of any type are allowed at the Gardens. Gas barbecues only are allowed under the terms of our council lease.
Should you wish to keep chickens, a proposal must be written and submitted to the Committee which will then be voted on.
Please notify the Committee and your neighbouring gardeners if you are going on holiday or will be absent for longer than a month during the growing season
Garden plots may be shared but not assigned to another member or a non-member, without Committee approval, as per a New Member application. When you give up your plot, please notify the Gardens by email.
The site is to be kept tidy at all times, all rubbish removed and any composting materials kept in a tidy state
Be considerate of others and act with integrity at all times
Members must help create a positive environment by fostering a welcoming, friendly, and supportive atmosphere where everyone feels safe and encouraged to participate in the community.
Refrain from negative behaviors such as gossiping, bullying and personal attacks.
All members must take responsibility and accountability for their actions and decisions within the community.
Hold yourself and others accountable in a fair and respectful manner, ensuring the community goals and etiquette as outlined in this Etiquette / Rules policy are met.
If you need to bring your vehicle into the gardens to unload heavy items, please park it where it does not block the driveway access. Keep the driveway clear so that other vehicles can get through.
Please avoid bringing your car into the Gardens during the winter or after heavy rain when the ground is wet and/or muddy since this damages the internal roadways.
Diseased plants including those with viruses or untreatable infestations of insects and/or disease shall be removed from the site and disposed of.
Please do not put freshly dug couch grass, dock or comfrey roots, wild sorrel, yarrow or other perennial plants/weeds into the compost bins. Spread them in the sun until thoroughly dried out and dead before composting or put in a closed bin of water to rot down.
Composting is encouraged on your own plot. You should attempt to deal with green waste and weeds you’ve created on your own plot.
Please maintain (where possible) a metre wide strip between your plot and your neighbours' to allow easy access for a wheelbarrow. There also needs to be a metre wide path at right angles to all the hosepipe stands.
When digging and/or weed eating the paths, ensure that you know where the hose pipes run. If you accidentally damage a pipe or fence, repair it straight away or let the Gardens’ committee know.
If you notice a wet spot on the paths, try to locate the source of the leak and repair it. If you don’t have the proper tools or parts at the time, take a photo of the location and email a description of the location to the garden’s email address and/or post on our fb page.
If you require reimbursement for parts purchased for repairs, please scan and email a receipt to us with details of your bank account number. Please request authorisation for purchases in excess of $50
Please do not leave sprinklers or hoses running unattended. Your hose/sprinkler will be turned off if it is unattended and repeat offenders may have their equipment confiscated.
Drip irrigation with a timer is encouraged to conserve and use water in the most efficient manner. Drip irrigation with a timer on a member’s plot must be approved by a Committee member. See this resource for getting your drip irrigation with a timer signed off by the Committee.
Return all tools to the shed after use and do not borrow your neighbour’s tools without permission
Personal gardening materials, currently being used or for use in the future, need to be kept on the member’s plot without obstructing any pathways.

Happy gardening!

Download the Community Gardens Risk Managment PDF