Read below for the general policy for City of Bloomington Community Garden Plot renters.
THE CITY AGREES TO:
- Till the garden plots before the start of the gardening season.
- Stake out each 10’ x15’ plot and identify each plot by number.
- Make water accessible to gardeners.
- Mow grass around plots to no more than 6 inches from plot borders.
- Refund rental fee (minus a $10 fee) if requested in writing on or before April 10, 2026.
RENTERS AGREE TO:
- Supply my own seeds, organic fertilizer, water containers and tools.
- Plant my garden no later than June 1, 2026.
- Be a good gardening neighbor:
- I will only work on my personal plot(s).
- I will only harvest from my personal plot(s).
- I will park in approved parking areas.
- At Smith Park, do not park on the west side of Park Avenue.
- I will keep the area clean by using the proper waste, recycling, and compost bins.
- I will not block access to water sources.
- Control garden pests (weeds, insects and diseases).
- Weeds are out of control if they are at least 6 inches tall, flowering or going to seed.
- 5. Only use 100% organic fertilizer.
- Do not use commercial chemical products that are not certified organic; this includes insecticides, fungicides and herbicides.
- Do use pheromone traps, horticulture oils, insecticidal soaps and hot pepper sprays.
- We prefer biodegradable mulch such as compost, leaves, straw and hay.
- IMPORTANT NOTICES
- We may forfeit your plot with no refund if you use non-organic products.
- We cannot guarantee soil fertility or that soil is chemical-free from past users.
- We do not recommend amending the soil in your plot at the end of the season.
- Keep my fences, plants and produce inside the borders of my plot(s).
- Any item outside your plot(s) may be removed, mowed over or plowed up.
- Your fence must not lean outside your plot(s).
- Remove all manmade materials, including weed blockers, no later than October 18, 2026.
- You may leave all plant materials in your plot(s).
- If you leave any manmade materials, you may have to pay up to $50 and we may ban you from renting a garden plot from us in the future.
- Cultivate my plot (plant and grow crops).
RENTERS AGREE NOT TO:
- Build structures on the plot.
- Use plastic sheeting or tarps as fencing material
- Use fences or chicken wire more than 6 feet tall.
- Use plastic chicken wire fences that are not brown, green, gray or black.
- Leave tools behind when not at the plot.
- Plant tall-growing trees.
- Grow tall plants that shade nearby plots.
- Use equipment or materials that create a problem for others.
- Park vehicles or trailers anywhere except designated spots.
If you do not follow the rules of this agreement, we may take away your rental and/or ban you from renting a garden plot with us in the future.
The community gardener agrees to assume all liability and to indemnify and compensate the City and/or Xcel Energy and/or Bloomington Covenant Church for any injury or damage to persons or property including Xcel Energy or Bloomington Covenant Church property or employees occasioned by or arising in connection with the use of the premises by the community gardener. The community gardener further agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City, Xcel Energy and Bloomington Covenant Church against all actions, claims, damages or demands which may be brought or made either against the City, Xcel Energy or Bloomington Covenant Church in the premises by reason of anything done by the community gardener, in the exercise or purported exercise of the rights and privileges herein granted.
In case of termination of the lease agreement between the City of Bloomington and Xcel Energy or Bloomington Covenant Church, the City shall immediately notify gardeners of the termination and any displaced renters would have first rights to available plots at the other sites. The community gardener shall have 15 days to clean up his/her garden plot.
THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON, BLOOMINGTON COVENANT CHURCH AND XCEL ENERGY ASSUME NO LIABILITY FOR ACCIDENTS OR INJURY TO PARTICIPANTS OR OTHERS EITHER ON OR ADJACENT TO THE GARDEN AREA. NEITHER DOES THE CITY, BLOOMINGTON COVENANT CHURCH OR XCEL ENERGY ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACTS OF VANDALISM OR LOSS OF CROPS DUE TO THEFT.
Your signature on the Garden Plot Application, whether digital or hard copy, acknowledges that you have received and agree to follow the rules in this Community Gardens Rental Agreement.
