Community Garden Plot Application
A garden plot is a commitment of time and consistent effort at least 7 months out of the year: April through October. Hours are spent weeding, watering, managing pests, planting, harvesting, and cooking or preserving every week. A community garden is also a shared space. Gardeners not only take care of their own garden plots but are also required to contribute at least three service hours per season to help maintain the greater community garden. If you’re ready to dig in, apply here and review the important information and tips for renting a garden plot below!
Note: This is for new community garden plot applicants only. If you already have a garden plot, please email the Community Gardens Director Emily (Emily@gardencityharvest.org) with any questions or plot requests.
Choose your garden
Garden City Harvest manages 10 community garden sites across Missoula, and each one is unique and different! Since a garden plot requires a lot of time, we recommend finding one that is conveniently located near your home, work place, daycare, or along your daily commute. We recommend having a first and second choice garden preference to maximize your chances of receiving a plot at one of them. You also have the option to select “any garden location,” and we will place you wherever a plot is available. Make sure to review the map and read the details and descriptions of each garden site.
Tip! Larger community gardens tend to have more available plots each year :)Apply
Fill out an application with your top garden preference. Please call the office at (406)523-3663 if you cannot access the online application. Please only one application per household. If it has been more than two years since you last applied for a plot, please apply again and note that in your application.
Deadlines & Timeline
Our spring application deadline is March 25, 2024. Applications received by this date will be prioritized for the spring plot lottery. You can still apply after this date, but you’ll have a higher chance of being placed on the waiting list (more information on the waiting list below).
3. Wait and check your email
Community garden plots are assigned by lottery every spring (usually the last week of March through the last week of April). The lottery is based on the number of plots available and the number of applications received at each garden site.
Once you have been selected, you will receive a time sensitive email from Garden City Harvest staff letting you know a plot is available at a specific garden location. Follow the directions in the email to fill out a garden contract and pay to claim a plot. It’s important to check your inbox, spam, or promotions folder regularly in April. If you miss the email and the deadline, we will offer that plot to another applicant.
If you don’t have regular access to your email, please note that in your application and we will give you a call!
Waiting on the Waitlist
If we are unable to place you in a plot the year you applied, you will automatically be placed on the waiting list and notified when a plot opens up either later that year or the following year’s spring plot lottery. If you do not receive a plot in the spring, you’ll be given priority the following season.
4. Fill out a gardening contract and pay
Once you fill out a contract and pay the minimum required ($25 deposit), a garden plot will be reserved for you. Following, you will receive another email with your new plot number, a map, and an orientation video that will help you get to know the resources in your garden.
5. Enjoy your new garden!
Once you have received your plot assignment and orientation email, you are welcome to begin digging into your new garden plot! Make sure to follow Garden City Harvest’s Sustainable Growing Guidelines and Community Gardens Policies. And, keep your eye out for a bunch of educational offerings (including workshops and a New Gardener Orientation!) along with other community events hosted by your garden’s leadership committee throughout the season.
Here in Missoula, we have a short growing season and high demand for community garden plots, so we want to make sure every plot is being utilized. For this reason, gardeners are expected to begin gardening by May 1 (even if it’s just clearing weeds and preparing the soil for hot weather crops that you intend to plant at the end of May).
Questions?
Feel free to contact us if you have questions. We are happy to help!
Looking for more information?
Head back to the community gardens webpage for information on scholarships, volunteering, and growing resources or visit our Community Gardens FAQ page.