Welcome to the Aptos Community Garden!

The mission of our garden is to provide a natural

garden setting for people with limited access to land and other resources to grow food and
ornamental plants using organic methods. Our goal for the garden space is to support the health
and wellbeing of humans, wildlife and the natural environment. All gardeners and would-be
gardeners are encouraged to participate in the community garden. We especially encourage
individuals and families with income, physical and other challenges to participate in the Aptos
Community Garden. All are welcome!

Before the Earth is tilled and wonderful things begin to grow, there are a few rules that each
gardener must understand and accept. To create a successful garden community each gardener
must give up some autonomy to establish good order and harmony within the community garden.
Outlined below are the rules for the garden.

These rules are made to protect gardeners from the thoughtlessness of others and to prevent
damage within the garden. We will be happy to discuss the purpose of these rules with any
gardener. If after such a discussion you feel the rules place undue restrictions on you, perhaps
you should reconsider your decision to garden in a community situation.

May the sun shine on the Aptos Community Garden. May we find contentment working side by
side and may all of our harvests be bountiful!

Community Garden Rules

1. One plot per household: Gardeners are allowed to rent only one plot within the Aptos
Community Garden. Any gardener renting additional plots under a false name and/or
address will lose the right to participate in the Aptos Community Garden for a period of
three (3) years.

2. Organic Gardening: Materials that support human and environmental welfare are
encouraged within the garden. These materials include, but are not limited to: traps, soap
sprays, sulfur, wood ashes, pepper and onion spray, tanglefoot, and similar organic
materials. If unsure, contact the Garden Supervisor.

ACCEPTABLE EXAMPLES: Cottonseed, blood, bone, horn or hoof meals, kelp,

manure, compost, liquid fish or seaweed, bacillus thuringiensis, soap spray, pepper and
onion spray, sulphur, wood ashes, sour milk solution, traps, tanglefoot, marigolds,
netting, lady bugs, lace wings, and similar methods and similar fertilizers classified as
"organic."

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3. No Chemicals: Materials that may be harmful to humans or the environment are not
allowed within the garden. Use of poisons, fertilizers or tillage methods harmful to
humans, the environment, soil structure, soil fertility or soil micro-organisms are not
allowed. If unsure, contact the Garden Supervisor.

UNACCEPTABLE EXAMPLES: Ammonium sulfate, muriate of potash, super

phosphate highly soluble chemical fertilizers, rotonone, pyrethium, sevin, malathion,
diazinon, nicotine sulfate.

4. Gardens must be clean and well maintained at all times: Plots must be maintained
throughout the year. If a gardener does not want to plant a winter garden the plot must be
kept free of weeds, invasive plants, rotting vegetation and all other debris. Once the
weather has changed the garden must be planed and weeds kept under control.

5. No weeds or grass clipping: Weeds and other invasive plants allowed to go to seed have a
negative impact on all surrounding garden plots. Weeds must be under control including
in all adjoining pathways. It is your responsibility to remove weeds and maintain the
pathways between each plot so gardeners can move freely in the garden. This is a joint
effort between plot owners. To prevent accidental introduction of Bermuda grass and
other weeds, the use of grass clippings is not allowed within the garden.

6. No contraband substances: No plants considered contraband under state or federal law

are allowed within the Aptos Community Garden.

7. No trees or garden structures: No trees or permanent structures are allowed within

community garden plots.

8. No dogs: Dogs are not allowed in the community garden.

9. No unaccompanied children: Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

10. Respect garden boundaries: Gardeners must plant and keep all vegetation within their
established plot boundary. Gardeners must not plant outside their garden plot, within
other garden plots or within four feet of any fence. Gardeners must not trespass within or
remove items from other garden plots without prior permission from that plot’s gardener.

11. Tools and equipment: Gardeners are to supply their own tools and equipment. No tools
should be left on site. Any garden tools found on site will be taken to lost and found.
Items not claimed within two (2) weeks will be donated.

12. Community composting: Organic garden waste materials not used within the plot may be
placed in one of the designated compost areas for use by other gardeners.

13. Pack out trash: Non-organic refuse must be removed by the gardener, including all
bottles, cans, plastic bags, etc.

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14. Report vandalism: Vandalism and other damage within the garden should be reported to
the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department (831) 471-1121 and to the Christ Lutheran
Church Community Garden Committee at (831) 688-5727.

15. Not responsible for losses: Gardeners accept all risks related to participation within the
community garden. Christ Lutheran Church and its Community Garden Committee are
not responsible for any loss or damage suffered by participants associated with
participation in the Aptos Community Gardens.

16. Final decisions: All garden complaints should be written and directed to the Christ
Lutheran Church Community Garden Committee. The Christ Lutheran Church
Community Garden Committee reserves the right to render a final decision concerning
any dispute related to the Aptos Community Garden, community garden rules and/or
garden participation. Here are your choices for submission of a complaint:

a. Drop off at the Christ Lutheran Church Office, 10707 Soquel Drive during normal
church office hours.
b. Send to Christ Lutheran Church, PO Box 394, Aptos CA 95001, Attn: Aptos
Community Garden Committee.
c. Fax to Christ Lutheran Church, Attn: Aptos Community Garden Committee at
831-688-8402.
d. Email to contact@aptoscommunitygarden.org and put “ACG Complaint” in the
subject header.

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 PROCEDURES

Application, Registration and Renewal of Garden Plots

1. Garden Applications: Applications for garden plots within the Aptos Community Garden
are accepted throughout the year. All applications will be dated when received and a
waiting list will be created to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly. If the Christ
Lutheran Church Community Garden Committee cannot reach an applicant because their
contact information is not current their application will be discarded. If an applicant is
unable to register for a plot when one is offered they will be removed from the waiting
list or moved to the end of the current waiting list, whichever is most appropriate based
on the applicant’s wishes.

2. Applicant priority: Applications for Aptos Community Garden plots are considered in
order of priority. Priority is extended to those with special needs including but not limited
to: low income households, individuals with disabilities, individuals and families who
lack space to garden where they live, etc. Short travel distances are encouraged,
therefore, providing garden plots to those residing within 10 miles of the Aptos
Community Garden will be given priority status as well.

4. Registration: Annual registration fees are $.75/square foot or $75, whichever is greater.
The actual plot and associated fee will be offered to the gardener, and the gardener must
confirm their participation within 5 days with their annual registration fee. Registration
fees will be received at the Christ Lutheran Church Office, 10707 Soquel Drive during
normal church office hours or by mailing a check made out to Christ Lutheran Church,
PO Box 394, Aptos, CA 95001 Attention: Aptos Community Garden Committee.

5. No refunds: Garden registration fees are not refundable, however, special circumstances
will be considered if presented promptly to the Christ Lutheran Church Community
Garden Committee.

6. No assignment of garden plots: The garden plot holder or an immediate family member
living at the same address must be the primary gardener. Should a plot holder give up a
plot for any reason, the plot will be made available to persons on the waiting list. Plot
holders may not reassign a plot. If a plot holder must give up plot for personal reasons
(i.e., moving from the county, etc.), please advise the Christ Lutheran Church
Community Garden Supervisor as soon as possible.

7. Forfeiture: There are three main criteria used to determine when a gardener’s plot may be
taken away for lack of use, inadequate maintenance, or lack of respect for the garden
community.

a. The Garden Supervisor identifies maintenance problems that are not resolved by
the gardener after adequate notice and the expiration of a three (3) month correction
period.

b. The Garden Supervisor identifies recurring problems stemming from a gardener’s

lack of respect for the garden space, the garden rules or the privileges of other community
gardeners.

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 c. The Garden Supervisor identifies contraband substances used or grown within the
garden plot. Growing or using any contraband substance is immediate grounds for the
gardener to lose his/her Aptos Community Garden plot. Forfeiture involving contraband
will be reported to the County Sheriff.

If a gardener’s plot is forfeited for any reason, the gardener will be notified in writing and
required to remove all personal belongings from the garden within one (1) week. After
that time the plot will be cleared and the next person on the waiting list will be called to
fill the plot.

8. Gardeners agree to abide by all garden rules. These rules are enforced to maintain the
garden plots as an aesthetic area of the community garden, as well as a leisure time
experience and a source of freshly grown produce. Failure to comply with garden rules
will result in the loss of your plot, as well as plot fees.

COMMUNICATIONS

If you have a problem with a broken water faucet, vandalism, etc., contact the Garden Supervisor
between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday at (831) 688-5727. In the case of an
emergency, which constitutes an issue that needs to be addressed immediately, contact the
Garden Supervisor and the Emergency Contact posted at the Garden.

If you witness any illegal actions in the garden, contact the County Sheriff at (831) 471-1121 and
the Christ Lutheran Church Community Garden Committee at (831) 688-5727.

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 APPLICATION FOR RENTAL OF GARDEN PLOT

NAME: ______________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________

CITY: _______________________________________________________ ZIP: ___________________

PHONE: _____________________________________________________________________________
(home) (work) (cell)

EMAIL: _____________________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL NEEDS (low income, disability, other): ____________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE CHECK ONE:

___ I’d like a garden plot that is less than 50 square feet
___ I’d like a garden plot that is between 51 - 100 square feet
___ I’d like a garden plot that is between 101 - 200 square feet
___ I cannot afford a garden plot due to my low-income status, but would like to be considered for a
sponsorship and a garden plot of any available size.

TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT

1. Plot fees: Garden plot fees will be determined yearly and notice given to each plot holder. 2010
season plot fees: $.75 per sq. ft or $75, whichever is greater.

2. One plot per household, no assignment of plots: The plot holder or an immediate family member
living at the same address must be the primary gardener. Please tell the Garden Supervisor as
soon as possible if a plot must be given up for any reason. The plot holder may not reassign a
plot. The plot will be made available to persons on the waiting list. A prorated portion of the
registration fee will be refunded upon request.

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3. Forfeiture: There are three main criteria used to determine when a gardener’s plot may be taken
away for lack of use, inadequate maintenance, or lack of respect for the garden community:

a. The Garden Supervisor identifies maintenance problems that are not resolved by the
gardener after adequate notice and the expiration of a three (3) month correction period.

b. The Garden Supervisor identifies recurring problems stemming from a gardener’s lack of
respect for the garden space, the garden rules or the privileges of other community gardeners.

c. The Garden Supervisor identifies contraband substances used or grown within the garden
plot. Growing or using any contraband substance is immediate grounds for forfeiture of the
Aptos Community Garden plot. Forfeiture involving contraband will be reported to the County
Sheriff.

4. Plot holders agree to abide by all garden rules and procedures, provided separately. These rules
are enforced to maintain the garden plots as an aesthetic area of the community garden, as well as
a leisure time experience and a source of freshly grown produce. Failure to comply with garden
rules will result in the loss of your plot as well as plot fees

5. Plots should be kept clean and weed free. This includes all adjoining pathways.

6. Plots must be maintained year round. Weeds must not be allowed to go to seed at anytime. If a
plot is not maintained up to standard, it will be forfeited without a refund.

7. This contract is effective for the entire duration of the garden plot rental. A new contract need not
be signed every year. If the contract is revised, plot holders will be required to re-sign.

In consideration for the acceptance of my application for participation in the aforementioned activity or
presence on the property, I HEREBY WAIVE, RELEASE AND DISCHARGE CHRIST LUTHERAN
CHURCH, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES, FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL
LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSS, PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE THAT MAY ARISE
OUT OF, OR IS IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH MY RENTAL OF A GARDEN PLOT OR MY
PRESENCE AT THE APTOS COMMUNITY GARDEN.

THE UNDERSIGNED HAS READ AND APPROVED THE FOREGOING AND FURTHER
UNDERSTANDS THAT THESE RULES—IN THE INTERESTS OF SUCCESSFUL GARDENING
USE--ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE—WITH APPROPRIATE AND ADEQUATE NOTICE TO
GARDEN USERS.

I HAVE READ THE RULES, PROCEDURES AND WAIVER, UNDERSTAND THEIR MEANING,
AND VOLUNTARILY SIGN IT.

________________________________________________________________________
Date Signature of Participant

Please send to Christ Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 394 Aptos CA 95001 Attention: Aptos Community
Garden Committee or fax to 831-688-8402. You will be notified about the status of your plot within 30
days of our receipt.

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