Community & Personal Responsibility
Each of us chose to join this community garden, so all of us are responsible for caring for it. We are 40 community gardeners. We are teachers, staff, students and parents at Samuels Elementary. We are the many volunteers who donate time and labor every summer. This is our space to grow food, grow friendships, and work together to make this tiny corner of the planet a better place. Please be considerate of everyone involved in this community garden.
DO offer to help your fellow gardeners
DO respect methods of gardening that may be different than your own
DO offer to water for someone who is out of town
DO supervise your children at all times
DO volunteer for school activities
DO show up for at least 5 work events per year
DO join our social events (bringing food to potlucks is NOT required)
DO NOT step in other plots
DO NOT drag hoses across other plots
DO NOT water other plots without permission
DO NOT harvest from other plots without permission
DO NOT pull weeds from other plots without permission (one person’s weed may be someone else’s food)
DO NOT allow your children in other plots
NO smoking
NO pets – NO dogs allowed in the garden per DPS and Garden to Cafeteria* rules.
Exception: ADA Service Dogs are allowed. https://adata.org/guide/service-animals-and-emotional-support-animals
*Garden to Cafeteria is the program that allows produce from the garden to be used in the school cafeteria.
Samuels Garden does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, marital status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or military status. All are welcome in our garden!
Because the garden is on school property, all adult gardeners (18+) must complete a basic background check every 5 years. If you do not pass the background check, you are not allowed to garden at Samuels.
Every year, all adult gardeners are required to register with DUG (Denver Urban Gardens) and pay the annual fees. Registration and payment are due by April 30. If you do not register by this date, you will forfeit your plot. It will be given to the next person on the waitlist. If you want to rejoin the garden, you will be added to the waitlist.
In the event that a dispute arises between members of the garden community, and a resolution cannot be reached, DUG will act as the arbitrator of the dispute. DUGʼs decision is final. To prevent things from going this far, please reach out to anyone on the leadership team right away if you have a problem with anyone or anything.
DO offer to help your fellow gardeners
DO respect methods of gardening that may be different than your own
DO offer to water for someone who is out of town
DO supervise your children at all times
DO volunteer for school activities
DO show up for at least 5 work events per year
DO join our social events (bringing food to potlucks is NOT required)
DO NOT step in other plots
DO NOT drag hoses across other plots
DO NOT water other plots without permission
DO NOT harvest from other plots without permission
DO NOT pull weeds from other plots without permission (one person’s weed may be someone else’s food)
DO NOT allow your children in other plots
NO smoking
NO pets – NO dogs allowed in the garden per DPS and Garden to Cafeteria* rules.
Exception: ADA Service Dogs are allowed. https://adata.org/guide/service-animals-and-emotional-support-animals
*Garden to Cafeteria is the program that allows produce from the garden to be used in the school cafeteria.
Samuels Garden does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, marital status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or military status. All are welcome in our garden!
Because the garden is on school property, all adult gardeners (18+) must complete a basic background check every 5 years. If you do not pass the background check, you are not allowed to garden at Samuels.
Every year, all adult gardeners are required to register with DUG (Denver Urban Gardens) and pay the annual fees. Registration and payment are due by April 30. If you do not register by this date, you will forfeit your plot. It will be given to the next person on the waitlist. If you want to rejoin the garden, you will be added to the waitlist.
In the event that a dispute arises between members of the garden community, and a resolution cannot be reached, DUG will act as the arbitrator of the dispute. DUGʼs decision is final. To prevent things from going this far, please reach out to anyone on the leadership team right away if you have a problem with anyone or anything.
Gardening
Samuels Garden is an ORGANIC garden!
NO chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or other non-organic additives
YOU are 100% responsible for your own plot and the surrounding pathway!
YOU are responsible for planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, and cleaning up
YOU are responsible for adding compost and mulch to your plot
YOU are responsible for weeding the pathway around your plot
YOU are responsible for keeping the weeds under control in your plot (weeds that have gone to seed spread easily, so please be considerate of your plot neighbors)
NO chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or other non-organic additives
YOU are 100% responsible for your own plot and the surrounding pathway!
YOU are responsible for planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, and cleaning up
YOU are responsible for adding compost and mulch to your plot
YOU are responsible for weeding the pathway around your plot
YOU are responsible for keeping the weeds under control in your plot (weeds that have gone to seed spread easily, so please be considerate of your plot neighbors)
YOU are responsible for cleaning up and mulching your plot in the fall
If you are unable to get to the garden for any period of time for any reason, please ask someone to care for your plot. If you cannot find someone on your own, please email the garden and we will help.
If your plot appears neglected or abandoned (this includes not watered and/or overgrown with weeds), we will give you 10 days to correct the situation. If you do not do so, or if we have no communication from you, you will forfeit your plot. It will be given to the next person on the waitlist. If you need help, email the garden or talk to us at the garden. We will do everything we can to assist.
Please keep the pathways clear!
Keep the dirt and mulch inside your plot
Keep your plants inside your plot or we may trim them to maintain clear pathways
Keep any flower pots, grow bags, plant supports or decorations inside your plot
All types of plants are welcome - fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers
If you grow corn or sunflowers, you are responsible for chopping up the stalks for compost in the fall
NO trees, bushes or perennial plants in plots (herbs except mint are okay)
NO mint in plots (there is mint in pots along the west fence for your use)
NO permanent structures in plots without prior approval
DO eat the produce you grow
DO donate any extra produce to our Monday harvests (summer) and Wednesday harvests (fall)
DO use compost and mulch - both are available at the garden or bring your own as long as it is organic
DO put all garden waste in the compost collection areas or green bins as appropriate
If you are unable to get to the garden for any period of time for any reason, please ask someone to care for your plot. If you cannot find someone on your own, please email the garden and we will help.
If your plot appears neglected or abandoned (this includes not watered and/or overgrown with weeds), we will give you 10 days to correct the situation. If you do not do so, or if we have no communication from you, you will forfeit your plot. It will be given to the next person on the waitlist. If you need help, email the garden or talk to us at the garden. We will do everything we can to assist.
Please keep the pathways clear!
Keep the dirt and mulch inside your plot
Keep your plants inside your plot or we may trim them to maintain clear pathways
Keep any flower pots, grow bags, plant supports or decorations inside your plot
All types of plants are welcome - fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers
If you grow corn or sunflowers, you are responsible for chopping up the stalks for compost in the fall
NO trees, bushes or perennial plants in plots (herbs except mint are okay)
NO mint in plots (there is mint in pots along the west fence for your use)
NO permanent structures in plots without prior approval
DO eat the produce you grow
DO donate any extra produce to our Monday harvests (summer) and Wednesday harvests (fall)
DO use compost and mulch - both are available at the garden or bring your own as long as it is organic
DO put all garden waste in the compost collection areas or green bins as appropriate
Shared Supplies In Shed and Under Trailer Ramp
Anything in the shed and under the trailer ramp is available for everyone to use, including tomato cages and wooden plant supports.
We have rabbits! A short fence around your plot is helpful for deterring critters. There are some fencing materials under the trailer ramp. You may need to bring your own stakes to hold the fencing in place. Alternatively, you are welcome to bring your own fencing.
During the off season, please keep any personally owned items in your plot or take them home. If you put any personally owned items in the shed or under the ramp, please clearly label them with your name. Samuels Garden is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
We have rabbits! A short fence around your plot is helpful for deterring critters. There are some fencing materials under the trailer ramp. You may need to bring your own stakes to hold the fencing in place. Alternatively, you are welcome to bring your own fencing.
During the off season, please keep any personally owned items in your plot or take them home. If you put any personally owned items in the shed or under the ramp, please clearly label them with your name. Samuels Garden is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
Compost and Mulch
Samuels Garden provides compost and mulch for your use. Please help yourself. You are welcome to bring your own as long as it is organic.
Compost is located in one bin of the north compost area. We make most of our own compost, but we also purchase additional compost in the spring.
Straw for mulch is located under the trailer ramp. We usually find free straw in the fall, but we can purchase additional bales as needed throughout the season.
Leaves for mulch are collected in the fall and located in or near one of the compost areas. If you bring leaves to the garden, please make sure they are pesticide free. No pine needles.
Wood or bark mulch is not recommended for vegetable gardens.
Compost is located in one bin of the north compost area. We make most of our own compost, but we also purchase additional compost in the spring.
Straw for mulch is located under the trailer ramp. We usually find free straw in the fall, but we can purchase additional bales as needed throughout the season.
Leaves for mulch are collected in the fall and located in or near one of the compost areas. If you bring leaves to the garden, please make sure they are pesticide free. No pine needles.
Wood or bark mulch is not recommended for vegetable gardens.
Tools
DO clean and return all tools to the shed when you are finished with them.
DO return wheelbarrows to their spot under the trailer ramp.
Please put any broken tools in the broken tool bucket in the shed. We may be able to repair some of them.
Leaving personal tools in your plot or in the shed is allowed at your own risk. Please clearly label any personal tools. Samuels Garden is not responsible for lost or stolen personal tools.
If you think we need any additional tools, feel free to donate them! Or let us know and we will look into purchasing them.
DO return wheelbarrows to their spot under the trailer ramp.
Please put any broken tools in the broken tool bucket in the shed. We may be able to repair some of them.
Leaving personal tools in your plot or in the shed is allowed at your own risk. Please clearly label any personal tools. Samuels Garden is not responsible for lost or stolen personal tools.
If you think we need any additional tools, feel free to donate them! Or let us know and we will look into purchasing them.
Hoses
DO hang the hose on the pathway side of the hose hanger. Please be respectful of the plants growing in the plot near the hose.
DO use whatever watering attachment you like. We have watering wands and hand sprayers. There are extras in the shed.
DO NOT drag hoses across other plots. There are stakes in the corners of plots to help prevent this, and there are extra stakes in the shed.
DO NOT get dirt or gravel in the threads of the hose or watering attachment. Once the threads are damaged, the hose will leak, and the hose and/or attachment will need to be repaired or replaced
Water
DO use whatever watering attachment you like. We have watering wands and hand sprayers. There are extras in the shed.
DO NOT drag hoses across other plots. There are stakes in the corners of plots to help prevent this, and there are extra stakes in the shed.
DO NOT get dirt or gravel in the threads of the hose or watering attachment. Once the threads are damaged, the hose will leak, and the hose and/or attachment will need to be repaired or replaced
Water
DPS (Denver Public Schools) and DUG (Denver Urban Gardens) have an agreement to pay for our water. Please do not jeopardize this arrangement by wasting water.
DPS is in charge of turning the water on and off. It is usually a surprise to us at the garden. Even the school maintenance manager is not notified in advance!
Water is usually turned ON in the middle of May.
Water is usually turned OFF in early October.
You are welcome to bring water from home when water is not available at the garden.
We will occasionally run a hose from the school to water during dry periods in the spring and fall.
To turn the water off, turn the faucet to OFF. Turning the watering attachment to off does NOT turn the water off.
DPS is in charge of turning the water on and off. It is usually a surprise to us at the garden. Even the school maintenance manager is not notified in advance!
Water is usually turned ON in the middle of May.
Water is usually turned OFF in early October.
You are welcome to bring water from home when water is not available at the garden.
We will occasionally run a hose from the school to water during dry periods in the spring and fall.
To turn the water off, turn the faucet to OFF. Turning the watering attachment to off does NOT turn the water off.
Watering Rules & Recommendations:
- MULCH your plot! - Mulching will help your garden retain moisture. You will have to water less often if you mulch. Mulch also helps control weeds. Straw is available for free to all gardeners. Leaves may also be available. You are also welcome to bring your own mulch.
- Remain onsite while watering - You must remain at the garden if you have the water on!
No exceptions! - Water before 9 am or after 6 pm - Water evaporates faster than it soaks into the ground during the heat of the day. Try to water when it is cooler.
- Point the water at the base of the plants - Most plants expect more moisture in the soil than Colorado naturally provides. Aim the water at the dirt to best support your plants. Plants with fuzzy leaves, like squash and tomatoes, especially hate getting water on their leaves.
- Water low and slow - Watering slowly for a longer period of time allows the water to soak deeper into the soil. This encourages the plants to grow deeper roots and makes them more resistant to weather fluctuations. This also allows you to water less often.
- Check on newly planted seeds daily - Water as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Check on plants 3-4 times per week - Weather here is unpredictable, so it is important to check on your plants regularly. This is especially important during the heat of the summer.
IMPORTANT: Please notify us ASAP (text 303-709-4878 AND email samuelsgarden2011@gmail.com) if any faucet is leaking! Also let us know about broken/leaking hoses or watering attachments.
Compost, Recycling and Trash
BLACK BINS – Trash only. NO weeds. NO branches. NO plants of any kind. The goal is to keep organic material out of the landfill. When the trash gets full, please take the bag up to the dumpster behind the school. Place a new bag in the trash can. Extra bags are in the bottom of the bins, and there are more in the shed.
PURPLE BINS – Recycling only. Cans, bottles, cardboard, etc. NO plastic bags. NO greasy pizza boxes (put in trash). See the top of the bin or click here for more details on what the City of Denver accepts for recycling.
GREEN BINS – Food scraps and yard/garden waste only. NO produce stickers. NO rubber bands. NO plastic packaging. NO compostable plates, cups or silverware. NO pizza boxes. NO paper or cardboard. NO plastic bags. NO glass. NO trash. See the top of the bins or click here for more details on what the City accepts for composting.
PURPLE BINS – Recycling only. Cans, bottles, cardboard, etc. NO plastic bags. NO greasy pizza boxes (put in trash). See the top of the bin or click here for more details on what the City of Denver accepts for recycling.
GREEN BINS – Food scraps and yard/garden waste only. NO produce stickers. NO rubber bands. NO plastic packaging. NO compostable plates, cups or silverware. NO pizza boxes. NO paper or cardboard. NO plastic bags. NO glass. NO trash. See the top of the bins or click here for more details on what the City accepts for composting.
All material we put in the green bins goes to A-1 Organics, which is the primary commercial composting facility for the Front Range. Their piles get hot enough to kill most everything, including plant diseases and weed seeds. Because of their setup, they can even compost meat and other cooked food. You are welcome to bring your food scraps from home if you do not have your own green bin. Green bins are emptied every Wednesday. Please bring any food scraps from home on Monday or Tuesday so the bins don’t get too stinky.
GARDEN COMPOST – We make our own compost! We do hot composting, which will kill most seeds and pathogens that end up in the pile. Our piles do pretty well, but we can't guarantee that we'll kill all the bad stuff all of the time. So we do our best to keep out the worst of the worst. All of the organic material we don't want to compost should go in the green bin. When in doubt, put it in the green bin.
WHAT GOES WHERE
NO DIRT in green bins. NO DIRT in the garden compost. Dirt belongs in your plot. Please knock off as much dirt as possible before putting plants in either compost area.
Dig your PEAS and BEANS back into your plot when they're done. They add
nitrogen to your soil. If you do remove them from your plot, please put
them in the GARDEN COMPOST.
Put these items in the GARDEN COMPOST:
Put these items in the GARDEN COMPOST:
- Weeds that have not gone to seed (no bindweed, no goathead)
- Most garden plants, even those that have gone to seed (no tomato or squash plants – the fruit is okay)
- Bug infested plants (yes, bugs are okay in the compost!)
- Weather damaged or critter eaten produce
- Sticks and twigs, smaller tree branches and shrub trimmings
- Coffee grounds, egg shells (please crush), raw fruit and vegetable scraps (nothing cooked, remove all produce stickers)
Put these items in the GREEN BIN:
- ALL bindweed and goathead
- ALL weeds that have gone to seed
- ALL mint (due to its invasiveness)
- ALL tomato plants (tomato diseases can stay in the soil for years)
- ALL squash plants - cucumber, summer squash, winter squash, pumpkin (due to powdery mildew)
- Diseased plants
- Large root balls and plant stalks (please shake off dirt and break the stalks to fit inside the bin)
- Large tree and shrub branches (up to 4" diameter, cut to fit inside the bin)
- Cooked, spoiled or leftover food from home if you do not have your own green bin
- If you are not sure where something goes, put it in the GREEN BIN !
Samuels Community Garden Rules - Updated Spring 2023
