Sanford Community Garden accepting applications for 2021 growing season

A few 4-ft by 12-ft beds are available for those who would like to raise their own vegetables, herbs or flowers.  There is no fee for a bed and all gardening materials and tools are supplied.  Each gardener must volunteer six hours of their time caring for the food pantry beds over the course of the season.  To reserve a bed, complete the application below. Questions can be addressed to sanfordcomgdn@gmail.com.

Sanford Community Garden
at
The David and Linda Pence Community Ecology Center and
The McKeon Environmental Reserve

Hosted by: Sanford/Springvale Mousam Way Land Trust

Managed by: Patty and Kevin McKeon, University of Maine Extension York County Master Gardener Volunteers

Sanford has a community garden where those who lack access to suitable land can grow their own organic vegetables, flowers, and herbs. The Sanford Community Garden is located at the Pence Community Ecology Center in the McKeon Environmental Reserve on Blanchard Road in Springvale.

Garden Philosophy

The purpose of this enterprise is to have an enjoyable, healthy, and successful experience. We will work with you to ensure this happens. We ask that you think of your gardening neighbors and the garden while working there.

The tool shed will serve as a communications center. Notices will be posted, along with the garden guidelines, and lists of approved organic soil amendments, pesticides, and herbicides. Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) contact information and a message board are posted there to ask for advice or to report any issues.

You’ll be encouraged to use the square foot gardening procedure developed by Mel Bartholomew as a means of getting the most out of a limited space, but you can use whatever layout you want. By the same token, certain species and varieties will be recommended based on experience. Again, you may choose your own. In any case, the point you should keep in mind is that the size of the bed places a limit on how many types of plants you can grow.

The Garden

The 4 X 12 foot, 10 inch high raised beds will be assigned plots on a first-come, first-served basis. Gardening space will be reserved and posted for local food pantry benefit, and all gardeners will be expected to tend these areas; watering of food pantry plots and produce distribution will be done by MGV.

Gardening tools, fertilizers, watering hoses and nozzles, produce cleaning sink, ADA-accessible outdoor restroom, and table and chairs are available for gardeners and their guests to use. Master Gardeners will provide advice and help, if needed; They will also oversee the general operations of Sanford Community Garden.

Applications for available beds will open in March. Applicants are expected to read, understand, and obey the General Policies, Rules, Waiver, and Photo Release as described on the application. Applications and Waivers must be completed, signed, and returned to the Master Gardeners to be considered for bed assignments. The Community Garden Advisory Board has final determination of all aspects of the Sanford Community Garden.

General Policies

1. The following are not allowed: Smoking, alcohol, pets, subletting plots, non-organic control materials, unattended children, fresh manure, cannabis, illegal or invasive plants.
2. Place disease-free plants, parts, and weeds in the compost pile provided.
3. When leaving the garden, return any tools you used to the tool shed, and ensure the water spigot is turned off.
4. Consider neighboring plots when planting vine or tall-growing plants such as cucumbers, squash, corn or sunflowers; use dwarf-type varieties and plant tall or trellised crops down the center of the bed.
5. Plots should be properly cared for during the whole season; ask for help if you need it!

Using a plot at the Sanford Community Garden is a privilege; the Advisory Committee reserves the right to revoke the privilege of any gardener at any time for any reason it deems appropriate.

Application For Garden Plot Sanford Community Garden

Name: _______________________________________ Phone: _________________________

Mailing address: ______________________________________________________________________ Zip: ________

Email: _________________________________ (We will use this only to communicate with you.)

General Rules and Waiver Contract

I agree to waive, release, and hold harmless Sanford Springvale Land Trust, York County Cooperative Extension Service, and Master Gardener Volunteers from any and all damages, claims, suits, or injuries. By using the Sanford Community Garden located at Blanchard Road in Springvale, I assume responsibility for all risks, damages, to self or personal property and hazards, including ant third parties I may bring onto said property, for the purposes of gardening or otherwise. Insurance coverage is my own responsibility. I agree to act in a safe, sensible, and responsible manner, and will use respect with property and other people while at the garden. I also understand and agree to follow garden rules and policies.

I have read and understand the General Rules and Waiver Contract. I understand that my signature here is an acceptance of the General Rules and Waiver, and I agree to abide by them.

Signature: ________________________________________ Date: ______________________

PHOTOGRAPHIC RELEASE

At times during the spring and summer, folks from Kennebunk Savings Bank and the Sanford Community Garden Advisory Committee will be visiting to take pictures of you and your family for publicity purposes. Please complete the release form below to indicate your permission if you do not mind photographs being taken of you and your family.

_____ It’s ok to take pictures as described above.

Signed:_______________________________________________ Date: ______________________

Return this application form to sanfordcomgdn@gmail.com , or deliver to Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV) Kevin & Patty McKeon, 246 Blanchard Rd., Springvale, ME, 04083. Questions can be directed to MGV, Kev: 207-206-5934; Patty: 207-206-5933.