renting out garden plots

One problem community gardens have is that if one renter doesn't properly tend his or her plot, then the eventual bug infestations that occur spread to other people's plot. I have several friends who ended up abandoning their plots because of this. Also, you'll have no control over what people are dumping on your soil. Miracle Grow's easy to conceal in an organic fish emulsion bottle...so is Roundup. Your town might also require a building and land use permit and a DBA; they sometimes get wound up about parking, extra traffic, etc. That depends on your town and its zoning restrictions, though.

When I was in the service in the mid 80's there was a farm in Virginia Beach, Va that rnted out garden spots. I rented one at the time just to be able to grow some things for myself. One price covered your space, another if you wanted access to irrigation water. They seemed to do quite well with it because most every spot was taken.

When I lived in the Twin Cities one of the apartment buildings my friend lived in had an option to rent garden plots too. She loved it. I really think (hope) that most gardeners will be very considerate of where they get their food from and won't be disrespectful. Definitely talk to your insurance company and an attorney about the pros and cons. Maybe you could get references from the renters? I know I do when I rent out my house. Not sure if that is going overboard on for a garden plot or not.

Anywhere near Seattle? Dh is waiting to hear about a job there. If he does get it, we will be moving there, and renting at first, probably in the city. We would DEFINITELY be interested if you are close enough. Can we keep chickens in our garden area?

Cindyc.

To Add to what Donsgal stated

What are you going to do about chemicals. You will have people from both ends of the spectrum on this. Those that want to use them and those that don't want them within 10 miles of what will become their plot.

I do think it would work with the proper plamnning.

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If the grass looks greener it is probably over the septic tank. - troy n sarah tx

Our existance here is soley for the expoitation of CMG

unfortunately a little far for me to drive for a garden plot. I'm just eat of Seattle (in Bellevue) but I still think, that if done right, it is a great idea. I know others have touched on things you'll need to consider - things like access to water and access to some kind of bathroom facility. Our community garden offers access to water, bathrooms and also bins for putting yard waste in (like the weeds you pull). They also have a master gardener on site on the weekends for people to ask questions of. The contract you sign with the city makes it quite clear what is expected of you, things like using organic practices and keeping your plot well tended.

good luck with whatever you decide!

We are taking all things mentioned into consideration. It's really sad that you have to worry about some things these days, seems people don't take responsibility for themselves. We will let you know what we decide, but we make just as much money planting corn and other things and selling them roadside. We really just want to make some extra money off the land this summer to help pay the stinking prop taxes.

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"America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards"

I think the house we are looking at renting is in a town sort of near you (if he gets the job.) If he does, I'll pm you, and you can let me know what you have decided.

Cindyc.

40 years ago, it was common around here. All one had to do was check the classified ads and there actually was a classification "Gardens For Rent" or something similar. Our first one was in 1965 in what had previously been a cattle barn lot. Second was a fallow cornfield which was a bugger for a few years with billions of weeds. Third was at the edge of town but had been a worn out hayfield. Fourth was a nice plot in the early 1980s in a fuel oil storage area where no building would be permitted. Now haven't heard of farmers renting for years. That's why we have what has grown to a 1½ acre community garden complex. 18x25 plots, 450 sq. ft., for $25, with water and basic tilling included. That's very cheap but also subsidized by the city Parks Department. I had 11 plots last year but only rented 9 for this year.

Martin