PLOTS
Community Plots
The community plots are seven raised beds near the shed labeled A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. The beds are planted by the Community Plots team but all garden members may share in the harvest. We ask that anyone picking produce – tomatoes, beans, etc., take a few and leave some for others!
In addition to the raised beds, there are fruit trees and bushes around the garden. There is a fig near the community plots, as well as two Asian pear trees, one pear tree, raspberries, grapes, and (tart but juicy) blackberries. We also have two fledgling blueberry bushes growing near the BBQs. You need to look for them–they are hidden as they prefer sun-dappled light.
Two peach trees recently passed away, but they will likely be replaced soon with either new trees or the addition of new plots. Stay tuned for exciting updates.
Individual Plots
The Warren St. Marks Community Garden offers the exciting opportunity to any member in good standing for at least one season to become a “Plot Steward.” Stewardship allows Stewards to grow, experiment with, and learn about growing vegetables in their very own small patch of land in Brooklyn, NY. Stewards occupy a privileged place in the garden and are expected to act as leaders, teachers, and ambassadors with both WSMCG members, and members of the community generally.
Stewards are expected to work on two work teams (compost, community plots, chickens, open hours, watering & weeding, etc.). Stewards are required to follow organic practices, weed the paths regularly around their plot, and in general, follow the general rules associated with WSMCG membership. Stewards are asked to avoid growing perennials such as sage, rosemary, and fruit bushes to allow for considerate plot turnover.
When working on their individual plots, we ask that Stewards remain vigilant in keeping both gates open. We are not a private garden and do not want to create that appearance. One of WSMCG’s most important missions is to ensure that as many members and non-members alike can easily enjoy the garden as much as possible. Stewards play an important role in maintaining access to our beautiful, peaceful space!
2021: All individual plots have been assigned for the 2021 planting season. That said, plots can turn over at any time. Please email the Individual Plots Steward Coordinator at individualplots@wsgarden.org if you would like to be on the waitlist.
As of April 2021, there were almost 20 people on the waiting list–and that number grows with each Garden Day. We estimate the wait time for someone joining the list today would be at least 1 year. By way of reminder, a plot-waitlisted garden member must be in good standing for one full season before s/he/they can acquire a plot.
Requests to water/permission to harvest:
A Plots Steward is encouraged to invite other gardeners to water and harvest their plot if they are out of town for an extended period of time during the peak summer months. A green arrow in the individual plot signals this invitation.
INDIVIDUAL PLOT RULES IN A NUTSHELL:
A. Individual plots are supervised by the Plots Coordinator who maintains a first-come, first-served waiting list for members desiring to become Stewards.
B. Individuals who are stewarding plots automatically join the broader garden Watering & Weeding team, in addition to one other team of their choice.
C. Stewards must keep the walkways around their plots free of weeds and litter, and share general responsibility for watering the whole garden.
D. Stewards forfeit plots that are not planted by the second Sunday of each May, or not cleaned up by the second Sunday of each December.
E. Members are not allowed to work in another member’s planting area without prior approval of that member.
F. Stewards must use organic-only pest control and growing techniques.
G. Stewards must remain in good standing to maintain stewardship of their plots the following season. This includes attending at least four Garden Days per season.
H. Reminder that the plot does not “belong” to a Steward. Plots belong to the WSMCG. The garden administrators may need to make improvements to your plot or the area near it. They will do their best to inform Stewards of any construction but this can’t be guaranteed.