The Pine Hill Environmental Committee is proud to nurture growth and stewardship in our town through the Community Garden of Pine Hill.

The Community Garden of Pine Hill is a space where our residents rent a plot of land to garden and grow their own produce.

The Community Garden of Pine Hill was inspired by the desire to promote the mission of the Environmental Committee while finding a new way to bring members of our community together doing something they enjoy. A Community Garden provides benefits that align with many of the goals we work toward as the Environmental Committee.

A few of those benefits include:

• Beautification: Gardening can turn an empty lot into vibrant green space, which improves the quality of life for everyone in the neighborhood.
• Fresh Produce: Gardens provide fresh, nutritious produce for many who may not have access otherwise.
• Healthy Lifestyles: Gardening provides a chance to enjoy fresh air and healthy outdoor exercise.
• Cleaner Environment: Plants in a community garden add oxygen to the air and help reduce air pollution. They also absorb rainwater, reducing the amount of runoff that runs through the streets and carries pollutants.
• Stronger Communities: Gardening provides opportunities to connect with neighbors, meet new friends and build relationships.
• Educational Opportunities: A garden is a great way for kids (and adults) to learn about the food chain and learn about environmental issues, work skills, and business principles.

COMMUNITY GARDEN SITE RULES

The Community Gardens of Pine Hill are located at the corner of Blackwood-Clementon Road and Montgomery Road, Pine Hill, NJ 08021.

Gardeners interested in renting a plot must agree with and comply with all the Community Gardens Site Rules. Gardeners that do not honor these site rules may be required to relinquish their garden(s).

1. PLOTS (Rentals, Service Hours, Rules, Maintenance and Forfeiture)

Annual membership rates:

• Residents can purchase plots beginning on May 1, 2023
• Residents of Pine Hill are $35 per full plot and $20 per half plot. Gardeners are able to select their individual plots, on first come, first serve basis. There is a one-time irrigation fee of $15 per plot. Water is provided by individual spigots located through the garden.
• Non-residents are placed on a waiting list until Pine Hill residents are given the first choice. Fee for non-residents is $40 per full plot and $25 per half plot a year and gardeners will be able to select their individual plots from the remainder of unchosen plots. There is a one-time irrigation fee of $15 per plot.
• Designated plots have been designed for individuals with accessibility issues.
• Gardeners are limited to one (1) full plot or (2) half plots, as availability permits.

The first name to appear on the Community Gardens application signed at the time of rental is considered the “Primary Gardener”. All gardeners on the application are collectively and severally bound by the Site Rules.

Gardeners on multiple gardener applications agree that the first name on the application form is the designated contact for all business correspondence from the Borough regarding the garden plot. Any new gardener must be added to the application before being allowed to garden the plot. Groups may rent only one plot at the garden. Individual gardeners may rent only one plot during the first season they are at the garden. Additional plots may then be rented on the recommendation of the Community Gardens Coordinator.

Individual gardeners may not rent more than a total of two plots. Plots will be provided on a first come, first served basis. The Community Gardens Coordinator will maintain a waiting list for interested individuals/groups who will be notified if/when a plot becomes available for rent.

Mandatory orientation sessions for all gardeners with plots will be held at the beginning of the season to provide an opportunity to meet your gardening “neighbors”, review the site rules, discuss approved fertilizers and pest management materials, hours of operation, volunteer service events calendar, etc.

2. RULES

• The Community Gardens area is open from dawn to dusk, approximately May 1 - November 30.
• No illegal plants, trees, cacti, castor beans (or other poisonous plants) may be planted.
• Diseased and pest-ridden plants must be removed from the site or placed in the
  dumpster to prevent spreading.
• Smoking and chewing tobacco is prohibited. Tobacco carries the mosaic virus which is deadly to some plants.
• No permanent structures may be placed on the plot. Temporary structures should not shade a neighbor’s plot without the approval of that neighbor.
• Organic nutrients and pest controls are encouraged for use in the garden. When in doubt about a product or method, check with the NJ Poison Center at (800) 222-1222, the Community Gardens Coordinator, or fellow gardeners.
• The use of Sevin & Round-up products in the Community Gardens is prohibited.
• Gardeners are responsible for bringing their own tools, hoses, and other gardening materials to the site. Some “community” tools/equipment may be provided, but gardeners should not rely on their availability.
• Tools should be used only for the purpose for which they were intended. “Community” tools should be returned clean to their proper place. Only gardeners over 16 years of age are allowed to use power tools.
• Gardeners must be present on-site when watering their plots. Unattended watering is not allowed. Gardeners using sprinklers or hoses should consider wind and temperatures to ensure as little waste as possible.
• Pets must always be restrained on leashes. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after animals.
• Each gardener is responsible for disposal of trash. Do not place any trash in common areas or roadways. Only organic, compostable material is to be placed in the composting area. No trash from off the property may be placed in the dumpster.
• No alcohol, marijuana or illegal substances may be consumed on the entire site. All local ordinances apply to the borough property.
• No gardener may:
  • Use a sign or name with reference to the Community Gardens of Pine Hill in
    conjunction with for-profit sale of produce or flowers in any venue
  • Use the property at the Community Gardens of Pine Hill in conjunction with for-profit sale of produce or flowers.
• This is a community garden. Other gardeners are our neighbors. Any disagreements should be resolved using pleasant language and a reasonable problem-solving approach. There shall be no harassment, threats, verbal abuse or acts of violence by any person against any other person. Such acts should be reported to the Community Gardens Coordinator. If necessary, proper authorities will be called. Any person committing such acts may be asked to forfeit his/her gardening plot(s).
• Corn and Sunflowers should not be planted as there is increased risk of potential garden pests and the large plants can cast shadows on neighboring plots.
• Aggressive growing plants such as mint, horseradish, ivy, holly, etc., are not permitted due to their invasive nature.
• At the end of the season, gardeners are responsible for removing all personal items and preparing their plot for the winter.
• If a gardener has been compliant during the season, that gardener will be offered the use of the same plot the following year, pending receipt of an updated application and fees.

MAINTENANCE AND FORFEITURE

• Plot maintenance is defined as regular attention to and removal of weeds, grasses and other invasive plants and regular harvesting.
• When a garden is out of compliance, the Community Gardens Coordinator will flag the garden and send written notice to the address on file to bring it into compliance within 14 days. Non-compliance will result in forfeiture.
• A garden will be considered as abandoned based on the following:
• No evidence of plot maintenance in the preceding 30 days
• Telephone is disconnected or calls are not returned within 7 days
• E-mail is not answered within a 7-day period, or U.S. Mail directed to the address on file is not answered within 14 days of mailing. The plot may then be re-rented.

3. COMMON AREAS

The Common Areas include the composting areas within the Community Gardens space, storage areas, permanent planting areas surrounding the plots, and future proposed seating areas and ornamental garden(s). All gardeners have responsibility for maintaining the common areas.

4. PARKING

Park only in the adjacent borough lot identified for parking. If you need to unload a heavy load from your vehicle, do so quickly and move the vehicle to a designated parking area. Handicap parking will be designated.

5. SAFETY AND SECURITY

• Please drive slowly and be aware of pedestrians and other gardeners while driving on the adjacent roads within the community gardening area.
• The property is open from dawn to dusk, year-round.
• Gardening activities may occur only during those times. Irrigation will generally be activated in May and deactivated in November.
• The fence/gate and any other garden facilities are to remain locked from dusk to dawn.
• All children under 12 require adult supervision.