Join us this year! Apply for a garden plot after March 1

Interested in joining us at McFarland Community Garden? New gardener registration will begin on or about March 1, with a link posted on the website at that time.  Things to know:

1-We’re here to help! Two orientation sessions will be offered before the garden opening this spring.  These are mandatory for first and second-year gardeners.  Registrants will be notified of the date and times, usually in early to mid-April.

2-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).

3-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.

4-A new cost structure will show some fee changes for 2026.  We hope these changes will not be prohibitive to anyone.  If your family's needs or budget are very limited and you need assistance with the fees, we have other gardeners willing to help. 

These fee changes are necessary for the operation of the garden.  We haven’t increased fees in 10 years, and the cost of everything has gone up, including sand, compost, equipment maintenance or purchases, mulch, etc.  

5-Volunteers run the garden. 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.

Two easy options: Garden Monitor and Mowing and Trimming.  Other opportunities include working in the garden dedicated to the McFarland Food Pantry, helping other gardeners till or weed their plots and more.

Read our FAQ for more information and links.