Frequently Asked Questions about the Roosevelt Community Garden
Where is the Roosevelt Community Garden located?
59 E. Fulton Avenue
Roosevelt, New York 11575
How can I become a Roosevelt Community Garden Member?
Membership is open to individuals or organizations in Nassau County, however, preference is given to those who live within the Roosevelt Community. To secure a plot, please complete the online application.
We accept all people regardless of race, creed, culture, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, health status, age, income, marital status, veteran’s status, physical appearance, English proficiency, handicap or sexual orientation.
Are there volunteer opportunities available?
We welcome volunteers of all ages, skill levels and backgrounds who are able to help steward the garden or provide educational programs. Youth under the ages of 16 must have adult supervision.
To learn more about our volunteer opportunities, contact Andrea Millwood at [email protected].
Are children allowed in the Garden?
Absolutely! We encourage parents/guardians to garden with their children and grandchildren so they can learn how to grow their own food.
What does it cost for the season and how big are the plots?
Plots are available for rent on an annual basis. Fees are subject to change, so please check our website for updates.
$55 – Large Garden Plot (4’ x 20’)
$40 – Wheelchair Accessible Plot
$25 – Medium Garden Plot – Section (3’ x 6’)
$20 – Small Garden Plot (3’ x 5’)
How do I apply for a garden plot?
Please submit an online application at www.northshorelandalliance.org/rcg. Individuals who do not have internet access may contact the Land Alliance at 516-922-1028. After you submit your application to North Shore Land Alliance and your information has been confirmed, you will receive a final confirmation email with your plot number. Garden members are NOT permitted to select, change or reassign their plot(s) to a friend, relative or neighbor. If a member does not wish to maintain their plot, he/she must notify the Land Alliance. Reassignment will follow a “waiting list” order.
Note: Applying for a plot does not guarantee a plot, and receiving a plot in the current year does not guarantee a plot for subsequent growing seasons.
How do I add my name to the waiting list?
Once all plots in the garden are reserved, you can add your name to the waiting list by emailing your name, phone number and desired plot to [email protected]. Once a plot is available, you will be contacted.
When can Garden Members start planting?
Garden members who have been assigned a plot may start gardening as early as April 1st, from sunrise to sunset. The Garden is closed on November 30th for the season. All food must be harvested by this date.
Can members request a specific garden plot, or a specific area within the Garden?
Yes! At the time of registration, you may indicate a desired plot (or area); however, garden plots are assigned in the order of when the application is received and based on availability. Returning Gardeners have preference on plots they had in the previous year.
How many plots am I allowed to rent for the season?
New members are NOT allowed to rent more than one garden plot. Returning members may request additional plots and we will do our best to honor your request. Additional plot requests will not be fulfilled until the we have fulfilled the waiting lists for new gardeners.
What if I don’t have gardening experience or knowledge?
One of the greatest benefits of joining the Roosevelt Community Garden is that you can ask for help and suggestions from your fellow gardeners. Experienced gardeners are usually quite glad to share their knowledge and skills with gardening novices. Flatter experienced gardeners with your questions! You can also attend one of our free workshops offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County Master Gardener Volunteers. Our new gardeners page (coming soon) will also provide plenty of suggestions to help you get started and manage your garden plots. You can also visit the Roosevelt Public Library for books on how to garden.
What does an annual membership include?
- A plot for use during the season (April – November)
- Starter seeds or plants. While some free seeds or seedlings will be available, gardeners are encouraged to purchase the plants they want to grow.
- Access to water. Faucets and hoses are available at the rear of the Garden. Please conserve use of water when possible. Unattended watering is not permitted. Notify the Land Alliance of any leaks in the water line. Make sure all faucets are turned off when you leave the garden. Replace hoses in their correct locations.
- Garden Tools and Shed – Tools and watering equipment are available for garden members only and other authorized individuals. Tools must be washed and returned to the shed and placed in their correct places. Please keep the shed tidy and in safe working order. Keep in mind that there will be other gardeners who will follow your lead. This includes leading by example for our children.
- A supportive environment for learning about gardening and meeting neighbors!
How much time does it take?
Gardening is fun, but it’s also hard work. You have to weed, harvest, and maintain your plot. If you are going to be out of town for an extended period, you’ll have to arrange for someone to tend your plot. Gardening also demands more time at different points in the season than others. If you don’t think you can tend to your plot twice a week, consider sharing with someone else.
Here’s a few things to consider before joining our community Garden. You must be ready, willing and able to:
- Attend volunteers days and members events.
- Water, weed both inside your plot and around the plot perimeter and maintain your plot.
- Start planting by June 1st (weather permitting). Any unattended plots after this date will be reviewed and reissued to another person.
- Trim vegetation that exceeds your plot boundary or has fallen into the pathway.
- Harvest crops more frequently during the height of the growing season to help maintain your plot. Members will be notified if their plots are unattended and asked to remedy the situation.
- Help maintain the entire Garden. This includes, but is not limited to, placing litter in the trash, weed, return tools to the shed, return the hose if left out, and place the trash on the curb on Monday and Wednesday nights for Tuesday and Thursday pick up.
- Notify the Land Alliance if there are any structural damages.
Can we use pesticides in the Garden?
No! We encourage only organic growing practices. No pesticide, fungicides, herbicides or non-organic fertilizers may be used in the garden. Gardeners may grow some flowers such as those that discourage pests, are edible, and/or attract pollinators and birds.
Can we plant Corn?
No! Growing corn is not allowed in our Garden as it creates too much shade upon others’ crops.
Are bathrooms available onsite?
Unfortunately there’s no plumbing on site.
Is there a compost area?
Yes! The garden does have a composting area. Members are encouraged compost natural materials, keep the compost area clean and put diseased, pest-infested plant material in garbage containers.
Are there garbage bins?
Garbage and recycle bins are available on site. Garden members are encouraged to give a hand on Monday and Wednesday evenings to help put the trash out for Tuesday and Thursday trash pick-up. Please do not mix trash/garbage with recyclable items. No debris of any kind should be left on the property or tossed in the neighbor’s garbage. Please check to be sure that the recyclable items have the recycle triangle mark before tossing into the recycling container.
Some seedling pots are NOT recyclable, and every attempt should be made to re-use these.
Are animals allowed in the Garden?
Pets are not allowed in the Garden.
Can we smoke or drink in the Garden?
The Garden is a family friendly atmosphere. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited inside or at the entrance of the garden.
Can we play music?
Yes! No loud music. Music is permitted in the garden but must be kept at a minimum.
What should I do if my vegetables are harvested without my permission?
Unfortunately, issues like this do arise in community gardens. The best course of action you can take is to harvest immediately, get to know other gardeners, and keep the gate closed.