Garden Use & Maintenance

Our Community Gardens provide a chance to get to know your neighbors, to have fun, to share the workload and to enjoy fresh produce. Please be considerate so that everyone can benefit from their time in the garden.

• We have community gardens, however each person grows their own harvest – please do not harvest from another garden without express permission.
• The gardens are open from dawn to dusk, for patch renters only.
• Always keep the gates closed and locked.
• Be considerate. Use headphones if listening to music and do not talk on the phone while gardening.
• Pets are not allowed in the garden. This includes dogs on leash.
• Please supervise your children closely. Encourage and model respectful behavior toward neighbors and their garden patches.
• No alcohol or illegal substances may be brought onto or consumed on the entire site. The sole exception to this is that slug bait containing beer can be used in enclosed containers within a patch.
• Tobacco use, e-cigarette use, and vaping are prohibited in the garden.
• Resolve any differences in a neighborly way.
• The use of chemically treated wood is prohibited within the garden. These products contain toxic substances which may leach into the soil. Tires are not allowed at the site.
• Please pick up any trash and dispose of it in the trash receptacle. This includes putting all weeds/compostable items in the compost bin. Note: plastic plant containers are NOT compostable.
• Always clean tools after using them and return them clean and dry to the shed (Vista and Westridge Gardens) or hooks (Sunset Walk).
• Tools may not be removed from the garden area for any reason whatsoever. Please report broken or missing tools at https://www.issaquahhighlands.com/community-garden/gardeners/.

• Maintaining your garden is your responsibility. If you do not maintain and harvest your patch, it may be reassigned, and your fees forfeited. Your patch will be reassigned if it is not worked by June 1. Exceptions may be made for special circumstances with prior approval. Patches not rented by June 1 will be maintained by IH staff until rented.
• Your $25 deposit will be forfeited if you abandon your patch.
• Plants that can harbor pests or disease (such as tomato plants) should be removed as soon as they stop producing.
• If you are going to be out of town during the growing season, please ensure your patch is maintained in your absence. It is your responsibility to find someone to water, harvest and weed as needed. If you have a non- community gardener assisting in your absence, it is your responsibility to make sure they are familiar with the boundaries of your patch and comply with the rules and regulations.
• Keep vining and spreading crops confined to your own patch, or preferably confined to pots within your patch. Pots outside your patch are NOT
• Perennial crops can be problematic for the next gardener. Carefully consider your long-term plans before you plant strawberries, herbs, bulbs, artichokes, etc. If you plant perennials and decide to not renew your patch you must remove the perennials at the end of your rental
• Raspberries may NOT be planted as they are invasive.
• Please be careful that sunflowers or tall trellised plants do not shade your neighbor’s patch. Trees and permanent structures are not
• Do not dig into the common paths. Keep them level, plant free, uncluttered and open at all times for walking and maintenance. Do not block or barricade off the paths.

HARVESTING CROPS

• As crops mature, keep them harvested at least weekly. This helps prevent disease and keeps wildlife away.
• Sharing produce is encouraged, but it may not be sold. If you wish to share your produce, please pick and give it away yourself. Don’t invite non-community garden members to come and pick when you are not at the garden. Misunderstandings can occur about patch boundaries and where picking is allowed.
• You are encouraged to donate excess produce to the Issaquah Food Bank (contact us for more information).

HIGH POWER LINE HAZARD

• In the Vista Gardens, metal tomato cages, wires, stakes (even when rubber-coated), trellises and other metal structures including decorative ones are NOT ALLOWED.
• This is a condition of our special use permit with the Bonneville Power Authority and violations will not be tolerated.
• Bamboo, untreated cedar and PVC pipe can be used for staking and trellis structures; plastic netting or twine can be used on trellis.
• Any metal used in the garden is subject to immediate removal and disposal. Removed items will not be returned to the gardener.