Community Garden Address and Location

The Roosevelt Community Garden is located at 59 E. Fulton Avenue, Roosevelt, New York 11575, in Nassau County, within the Town of Hempstead. Visitors should look for a brown fence with signage on the gate, as the garden may not be immediately visible. Street parking is available, but visitors should be mindful of the neighbors.

The Garden is within walking distance of several local community landmarks, including the Roosevelt Post Office (0.3 miles, about a 5-minute walk), the Town of Hempstead Rosa Parks Senior Center (0.4 miles, about a 5-minute walk), the Roosevelt Public Library (0.5 miles, about an 8-minute walk), Ulysses Byas Elementary School (0.6 miles, about a 12-minute walk), Centennial Avenue Elementary School (0.7 miles, about a 14-minute walk), and Washington Rose Elementary School (0.8 miles, about a 16-minute walk).

Two Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) bus routes offer easy access to the garden, including the N40 and N43.

Hours of Operation

The Garden is open to garden plot holders during the growing season, from dawn until dusk, seven days a week. Thanks to our solar lights, garden members can enjoy extended hours and stay in the garden until 9:30 PM during late summer and fall. Gardeners are welcome to visit and tend to their plots at their convenience within these hours.

Please note that the garden may be closed during specific maintenance periods or special events, which will be communicated in advance. We encourage all visitors to respect the garden’s hours and maintain a peaceful environment for everyone.

2025 Gardening Schedule

Dates are subject to change.  Please check our events calendar for specific event dates.

• February 15th – Online Registration Begins
• April  – Community Garden Spring Clean up and Season Kick-Off
• May – Garden Plot Assignment Notifications Sent and Our Annual Planting Day Event
• October – Fall Harvest and Garlic Planting
• November 31st – Garden Closes for the winter

What to Consider Before Securing a Garden Plot:

• Time Commitment & Harvesting:  Gardening requires regular attention, including harvesting when your vegetables are ready. Regularly harvesting your crops will prevent them from rotting and impacting the soil health. If you’re unable to harvest, consider donating or sharing your produce to reduce waste and support the community!
• Plot Size & Management: Consider the size of the plot you’re reserving. Larger plots require more time and effort, so if you’re unsure about the commitment, starting small might be a good option. You can always upgrade the next year as you gain more experience!
• Watering & Weeding:  Visiting your plot at least once a week to water, weed and maintain it might be easier than once a month. Regular care ensures your plants grow strong and healthy, and together we can keep the Garden beautiful for everyone to enjoy and keep pests away.

Garden Plot Details

Registration Process

(1) Submit your online application at northshorelandalliance.org/roosevelt-community-garden
(2) We will verify your payment and check plot availability.
(3) Plot is assigned
(4) Once confirmed, you will receive a final email with your plot number and gate code.

Submitting an online application does not guarantee a plot.  If you are not able to complete the online application process, please contact the Land Alliance at 516-922-1028.  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.

Refunds

Refund requests for garden plot reservations must be made no later than May 1st. To request a refund, please send an email to [email protected], include your registration details such as your name, plot number and reason for the refund request. Once your request is received, it will be processed within 10 business days, and refunds will be issued to the original payment method used.

 Benefits of Gardening with us?

• A Raised Garden Plot or Section: Each person has a personal space to grow your own organic vegetables, herbs and/or fruits
• Access to Garden Experts: Experienced gardeners or master gardeners are available for guidance on your garden projects.
• Gardening Workshops: Educational opportunities on environmental stewardship and gardening techniques.
• Starter seeds and/or plants: start (distributed once in May)
• Garden Tools: Use of tools like shovels, rakes, or wheelbarrows, reducing the need to buy your own.
• Watering Access: Availability of shared watering equipment or a community water source.
• Community Social Events: We organize events such as potlucks, garden tours, or seasonal celebrations that bring the community together.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Ways to get involved in the broader community garden, whether for maintenance or outreach.

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.

Garden Amenities and Features:

• Gardening Tools and Equipment: A variety of gardening tools, such as shovels, rakes, hoes, and watering cans, are available for garden maintenance and cultivation.
• Watering Systems: Irrigation systems, hoses, and watering stations are provided for garden upkeep.
• Outdoor Education Space: A shaded seating area is available for educational programs or for visitors to relax and enjoy their gardening experience.
• Paths and Walkways: Well-maintained paths allow easy access throughout the garden while minimizing plant damage.
• Informational Signage: Signs about the garden’s history, plant species, ecological features, or gardening tips to enhance visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the garden.
• Restrooms and Facilities: Restroom facilities are available at the front of the garden, subject to funding
• Children’s Play Areas and Sensory Garden: The Kids Gardening Area was added tot he Garden in 2024.  This area is designed for children ages 4 to 11 to explore and learn about gardening and nature.
• Solar Lighting: Solar-powered lights have been installed in 2024 to improve the garden experience, allowing us to host evening programs beyond sunset.

Weekly Maintenance Activities:

Our community garden thrives when everyone pitches in to help with its upkeep, creating a space where all can enjoy and benefit from the beauty and bounty we grow together.

• Weed and trim vegetation both inside and around the perimeter of your plot
• Properly dispose of debris and vegetation in the garbage can.
• Harvest crops frequently during the peak growing season, which runs from late May to early September, to ensure proper upkeep of your plot. Members will be notified if their plots are left unattended and asked to address the issue.
• Contribute to the upkeep of the entire garden by disposing of litter properly, weeding shared areas, returning gardening tools to the shed, replace the hoses after use.
• Report any structural damages to the Land Alliance promptly.

Begin planting by June 1st (weather permitting).  After this date, unattended plots will be reviewed and reassigned to someone on our waitlist. If you plan to be away for an extended period, please make arrangements with another garden member to tend to your plot in your absence.

Youth Activities

Children are welcome in our Garden and parents are encouraged to bring their youth to garden with their children and grandchildren so they can learn how to grow their own food.

Volunteer Opportunities:

We welcome volunteers of all ages, skill levels and backgrounds who can 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].

Educational Programs

We offer monthly educational workshops, where garden members and visitors are welcome to attend free agricultural and gardening sessions led by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County Master Gardener Volunteers. Advance registration is required. For additional guidance, feel free to ask one of our seasoned garden members.

The following are discouraged or prohibited in our Garden:

• Use of Pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, or non-organic fertilizers in garden plots. We encourage the use of organic growing practices, including native flowers and plants that help deter pests, are edible, and/or attract pollinators and birds
• Pets
• Growing corns
• Loud music
• smoking
• Removing gardening tools or other items from the Garden
• Stealing vegetables or reg garden items without permission:

  What should I do if my vegetables are harvested without my permission?

  While situations like this can occasionally happen in community gardens, it’s important to address the issue calmly and promptly. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Harvest crops right away to ensure you’re getting what you’ve grown.
  2. Engage with fellow gardeners – building relationships can help create a more respectful environment.
  3. Ensure the garden gate is securely closed after each visit to avoid unauthorized access.