How can I find my bed(s)?
A bed map is located on the kiosk at the side entrance (off the parking lot) to the garden. Garden rows are numbered 1-16, lettered A-F. Row 1 is at the front of the garden, closest to the road. Letters A-C are on the south side of the garden, D-F are in the north side.
How can I water my bed(s)?
There are water spigots located on the center aisle of every other row with hoses attached for you convenience. There is also a large WM trash container full of water in the center of the garden with a spigot on it.
How do I use the compost?
Compost is used to enrich your garden soil. About 1x per year a pile of compost will be harvested from the bins. That pile will be left near the bins. You may take some and turn it into your garden.
What can I put in the compost pile?
In general you can put any organic matter into the bins. Compost guidelines are posted near the compost bins.
What does it mean to try to use organic products?
Organic gardening means that we try to minimize the amount of "chemicals" in our garden. Many popular garden products have organic alternatives. If you are unsure, ask at your local garden center for organic soil, bug spray, and plant food.
What can I plant in my bed(s)?
You may plant vegetables, flowers, herbs, and even perennials in your bed. Remember, if you intend to leave the garden community, perennials left in the bed will be granted to the next gardener who rents that bed. We have many amateur and experienced gardeners. Ask for help if you need it when deciding what to plant. Please DO NOT plant large, woody plants (ie shrubs, trees) as they easily become out of control and affect other's beds.
How do I get information about what is going on at the garden?
The best way to know what is going on is to be on the email list. If you do not give an email address at the time you register you will not be on the list. Contact Penfield Recreation to get on the list. The Sprout Newsletter, written by PCVG volunteers, comes out 1x per month via email. It is also posted on www.penfieldrec.org and on the kiosk at the garden. Sometimes special emails are sent out if an important bit of information must be shared immediately.
Who mows the garden?
The garden inside the fence is mowed by volunteers. The grass outside of the fence is mowed by Town of Penfield contractors. Mowing volunteers are always needed. You can sign up to mow a week by contacting the recreation department - (585) 340-8651, or srenner@penfield.org.
How can I help keep the garden safe and clean?
Safety is very important. Clearing the pathways of rocks is one way to be sure our volunteer mowers are safe. If you pick rocks from your garden deposit them on the south side of the parking lot by the rock pile sign. Also, do not leave piles of weeds in the pathways; this can spread plant disease and encourage unwanted bugs. Do not leave tools or equipment in the pathways.
I got hurt today while gardening - what should I do?
There is a first aid kit in the shed at the back of the garden. You must fill out an injury report, located in the kit, if there is any injury at the garden. Return the completed form to Penfield Recreation.
What is a garden "work day"?
Garden work days are scheduled about four times in the season between April and October. A work day is used to work on common garden areas; these are all the areas outside of personal beds. Common areas are all maintained by garden members who volunteer their time. All garden members are encouraged to spend some time maintaining common areas.
I have extra vegetables - what can I do with them?
A cooler is available at the kiosk once the harvest begins. The donated produce is brought to the Penfield Ecumenical Food Shelf to be distributed to needy families in our community. Garden volunteers provide this service.
Who plans for and maintains PCVG?
The PCVG oversight committee, under the direction of the Penfield Recreation department, guides and plans for the garden. All decisions about the garden are made through this committee with the approval of the Recreation department.
I'd like to work on the community garden oversight committee; who should I contact?
Contact the Recreation department to express your interest in joining the PCVG oversight committee - (585) 340-8651, srenner@penfield.org.
Why does the PCVG do fundraisers?
Fundraisers are done so that equipment can be maintained and special projects can be completed. The Penfield Community Victory Garden is funded solely by bed rental fees, fundraisers, and donations.
