Community Garden

The Vanderhoof Community Garden is a public space in Vanderhoof that encourages individuals and groups to come and plant a garden to produce their own food. There are opportunities to share ideas and tips between gardeners, and also to learn something new. This space is open to any individual or group in the community to participate. And it is no fee for being part of the community garden!

What is in the garden:

Here is the map of the garden and the list of what is there. So much has happened over the past two years and more are planned. Come check out the garden, even if you don't intend to garden here - it is a lovely place to be. Click on the map to enlarge.

A 30' x 20' greenhouse with raised beds and a water supply
Over 30 raised bed plots, some with wheelchair accessibility as well as wide edges to sit on
Large ground space for in-ground garden plots (still building the soil)
An orchard and raspberry patch
Two outdoor water hydrants with hoses and nozzles
A covered outdoor space to gather and rest from the sun
A toolshed with tools for sharing
A wheelchair accessible bathroom with flush toilet and a sink (cold water only)
A compost area
A kid's play area

To book a plot at the garden:

Gardeners are expected to:

Once you secure a plot at the community garden, there are some expectations. This list is also posted in the garden.

Plots may be planted when assigned and will be maintained all summer long.
Supply their own plants and seeds
Only plant within their own plots
Some volunteer time is expected from each gardener (excepting Seniors) to maintain the common areas of the Community Garden (washroom, tool shed, etc.).
Invasive plants such as mint, catnip, Jerusalem artichokes, comfrey, raspberries, horseradish, etc. will not be planted in the garden, in order to prevent intrusion into other garden plots.
Plots will be pesticide and herbicide-free, and fertilizers will have organic certification.
Weeds taken from the plots will be disposed of only in the designated area.
Tools belonging to the Community Garden are only to be used in the Garden site.
Tools borrowed from the Garden will be cleaned and returned to the storage area after use.
Each gardener will work in a safe manner, and will not leave tools, hoses, or any other objects where they could be a hazard to other gardeners.
Each gardener (and their children) will respect the plots and produce of the other gardeners. We will not pick from our neighbor’s garden even if they appear to have neglected their plot.
If you are unable to care for your plot for a time because of illness or vacation, ask a fellow gardener or the coordinator for help with weeding and harvesting.
Plots are for growing fresh healthy produce for you and your family or friends, and may NOT be sold. Extra produce may be donated to the food bank or a charity.
Pets will stay outside the garden fence.
If vandalism or theft occurs, notify the NVFN immediately. Help us discourage losses by questioning unfamiliar faces.
At the end of the season, all markers, trellises, string, etc. will be removed from your plot, leaving only the soil for next season! Plot-numbering stakes will be left in place.
Each gardener must apply each year for a plot, but returning gardeners will be given preference.
These organic fruits are sold to different buyers and mostly use as main ingredients for emergency food like freeze dried strawberries and any other flavor of fruits available.

Sharing and learning:

A few times during the growing season ther Bulletin Board image e are mini workshops and tutorials to learn new techniques and tips for raising healthy and productive plants and maintain a quality soil. If you have a skill you'd like to share, please let us know.

The Bulletin Board inside the garden tool shed is a great place to post messages to other gardeners, leave spare seeds for others to use, etc. The NV Food Network will leave messages to Community Garden members on the bulletin board in the tool shed, so please check there often.

A map of garden plots will be posted in the tool shed as well, in case of members forget which plots are theirs, etc.

Future plans for the garden:

further, enhance the ground plots
build more raised beds
have a space for permaculture gardening
have an Aboriginal medician or forage garden

The Vanderhoof Community Garden group are always looking for new volunteers

To sign up for a plot, contact Maya at 250-570-2194.