How do I register for next season?

Here's how to join us for the next season of community gardening in McFarland! 

We manage registration using Sign Up Genius, and Stripe handles the online payments. Both secure and reliable online systems. If you do not have online access to register and pay, please contact us.

Registration for returning gardeners typically opens around Feb. 1, and new gardeners will be invited to apply a few weeks later.

How big is my garden plot?

By far, the largest area of the Community Garden is devoted to individual or family plots.  These plots are 10’ by 20’ or 20′ by 20′ growing areas that can be reserved for a growing season for a fee. Raised bed gardens have been added to enhance accessibility.

New gardeners start with a half plot (10 feet by 20 feet). If you have a lot of experience gardening, please contact us regarding the availability of full plots (20 by 20 feet).

• RETURNING GARDENERS may rent one full plot (20'x20') per household or a half plot (10'x20'). (Please add your previous plot number when registering for the 2025 season and if you would like to stay in your current plot.)

• NEW RAISED BED GARDENERS may register for a raised bed if available. If raised bed slots are full and you are interested, contact us and we will let you know if one becomes available later.

• RETURNING RAISED BED GARDENERS may only register for one raised bed plot per season due to demand. 

How much does it cost?

An annual fee helps cover costs to run the garden, such as water bills, tool purchase and repair, machinery upkeep, raised bed replacement and more. There are no paid staff at the garden. All leadership positions are volunteer.

Plot fees are assessed by type of plot, but also on a sliding fee scale based on based on household size and household income.

Before you register, make sure you know your appropriate plot fee from the sliding scale. Then go to SignUp Genius to select your plot and fee.

Download the 2025 fee schedule here

The plot type I wanted is no longer available. What now?

If garden plots are full, you can register for a waitlist in case one opens up, or for the following growing season. Contact our leadership team with WAITLIST REQUEST in the subject line. We will notify prospective gardeners of availability based on the order in which requests have been received.

I'm coming back for the season. Can I get a bigger plot?

Returning gardeners may rent one full plot (20’x20′) per household. If you currently have a 10’ by 20’ half plot and are interested in a full plot, please contact us prior to registering for a full plot.

Raised bed gardeners may only rent one raised bed plot per season due to demand. You cannot register to get another.

I'd like to grow food but can't afford the fees. Any option?

If the plot fees represent a hardship for your family, we have a Scholarship program to help cover the cost of your plot fees. Please contact Bill Stoneman, Interim Garden Coordinator at bill.stoneman@gmail.com OR 608-712-4916 for information.

If payment by credit/debit card is not accessible to you, arrangements can be made to pay plot fees via check or cash by contacting Jeanne Jones at jjones51619@gmail.com or bill.stoneman@gmail.com or 608-712-4916.

I've grown more food than I can use? What do I do?

The McFarland Community Garden partners with the McFarland Food Pantry to provide fresh food to the community. You’ll receive emails from the leadership team as harvest times approach with details on how and when to donate to ensure the freshest produce reaches the most families.

What else do I need to do as a community gardener?

Volunteer! It’s a requirement for all MCG gardeners: You’ll need to volunteer 4 hours during the growing season. The same requirement applies no matter what type of plot you garden. The volunteer hours must be for work outside of the gardener’s individual plot.

Below we’ve listed two of many volunteer activities: Garden Monitor and Mowing and Trimming.  Use the links to learn more about the tasks and sign up!

Garden Monitor Signup

Mowing and Trimming Signup

Other opportunities include working in the garden dedicated to the McFarland Food Pantry, helping other gardeners till their plots and more. Watch your email for additional chances to participate in community gardening.

For new gardeners: Two orientation sessions will be offered before the garden opening.  These are mandatory for first and second-year gardeners.  Registrants will be notified of the date and times, usually in early to mid-April.

New? Register now for a garden plot!