GENERAL:
Plots are available to adults who reside in Killingworth or groups with a base in Killingworth. The property’s barns and farmhouse are used for town storage and are off limits. The shed adjacent to the main garden is available for our use.

Annual payment of fees and submission of a signed garden application and waiver is necessary before you begin gardening. An email address is very helpful. If you do not use email, please get monthly updates from another gardener.

Plot registration begins in early March. They are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Returning gardeners are given plot preference if they fulfill their fall cleanup obligations and have contributed to the community effort. There's a limit of one plot per resident until June 1. At that time, any remaining plots may be assigned. Unworked plots may be reassigned after June 15.

NEW: Gardeners are required to volunteer for community tasks a minimum of 6 hours over the growing season. We are self-sustained by annual fees, occasional grants and volunteerism. Please sign up for your "planning month" when registering.

NEW: Gardeners are strongly encouraged to donate surplus produce to the local food pantries. If you will be away, please have someone tend your plot or contact the coordinator for help. If you have ripe or over ripe produce on your plot for more than a week, your plot may be designated as 'neglected' by the garden coordinator and a white flag will be placed on your plot. Call or email the coordinator or remove the flag from your plot, if you plan to pick your own crop. If the white flag remains, the garden coordinator will pick the ripe produce for delivery to the local food pantry.

If vandalism or theft occurs, notify the garden coordinator immediately. Help us discourage losses by questioning unfamiliar faces. Debris and garbage should be removed from the site.

PARMELEE FARM:
Visitors and family members are welcome to the property year-round. Adults must be present to supervise anyone under 18 working in the gardens. Please supervise young children at all times. Dogs are not allowed within the fences.

If you are the last to leave the property, please lock the small tool shed, turn off the water pump and lock the main gate as you leave.

Garden gates should be kept closed to keep out rodents.

Only give out lock combination to other adult gardeners.

Community service hours for high school students are available. Contact the coordinator for details.

PARKING:
Please park along the main garden fence, in front of the farmhouse or in other designated areas. Additional event parking is available at the middle school. There is a marked path from the middle school front parking lot to the gardens.

WATER:
Water is supplied by a solar powered water pump from a single well. Unattended watering is not permitted. Please turn off faucets when you leave the garden, keep hoses neatly coiled and be careful to not let hoses damage neighboring plots. To conserve the use of water, mulch with leaves, grass clippings, or hay.

WEEDS:
Please dispose of rocks, weeds and plant materials in designated compost/debris areas. Please do not line your plot with rocks, as it hinders mowing and weeding. Gardeners are responsible for tending to the weeds in and around their own plot. Wood chips are usually available on site.

TOOLS:
Borrowed tools should be cleaned and returned to the storage area. Broken or bruised tools should be repaired or replaced. Donations are welcome.

MANURE:
Manure is occasionally available through the coordination of gardeners and local farmers.

PLOTS:
While we strongly encourage organic gardening techniques, you may use light commercial fertilizers. No herbicides or non-organic pesticides may be used at any time.

Gardeners and community members may be available throughout the season to till plots or lend equipment.

Individual fencing of plots is allowed. Please keep under 3 feet tall.

Plot corners are clearly marked. Please maintain the dimensions of the garden plots and paths.

Be considerate of your neighbors. Do not plant tall or sprawling crops that might interfere with others.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or complaints, please contact the garden coordinator or the Town Municipal Land Use Committee. Your compliance with the above guidelines will help everyone have an enjoyable experience and flourishing garden.