On this page
Rent a plot or volunteer
Step 1
Please select a garden location on the map
Step 2
Contact the garden coordinator for that garden (specific contact emails are listed on the map). Contact details for each garden are also listed to the right of this page under the “Get Involved” sidebar (select the garden name). If you have any issues connecting with a coordinator directly email [email protected].
What’s involved?
Opportunities are flexible and vary depending on the needs of each garden. The assigning of specific plots, specific tasks and day-to-day maintenance of each garden is arranged by a volunteer coordinator for each individual garden.
Most gardens have communal shared areas where they would welcome volunteer help and many also have individual areas where you can rent a plot for your own use.
Volunteers are generally needed during the gardening months (May-October) for a variety of garden tasks that may include watering, weeding or planting and building pathways, fences, compost bins, or signs.
Work and learn while giving back to the community and having fun!
To find out more contact the coordinator for your garden of interest directly or [email protected].
Make a donation
We happily accept financial donations (thank you) and some gardens may need things like building materials for raised beds or fencing, clean soil, mulch, plants or seeds. To make a donation, please choose a location on the map and contact the garden coordinator directly.
To start a new community garden on City-owned property
The City’s community garden coordinator can guide you through the application process and help with things like permits, agreements, insurance and soil testing. If your application is approved, the City will till the garden area, and donate a few supplies to get you started.
Guelph’s community garden coordinators meet once a month to discuss challenges, share success stories, and continue supporting Guelph’s community garden network.
You need at least six people in your garden group
Assign a garden coordinator and a backup coordinator. Garden group volunteers cover cost of:
- Building and maintaining the community garden
- Liability insurance, initial soil quality testing
- Inviting other gardeners to join
Choosing a location
The City will work with you or your garden group community group to find a suitable location:
- Six metres from surrounding amenities, property lines, hedgerows and trees and 60 centimetres from the nearest trail
- Gets six hours of sunlight each day
- Water available nearby either:
- an existing City water service
- harvested from the roof of a nearby building and stored in rain barrels or cisterns
- Away from sports fields and other uses
- Doesn’t interfere with drainage or site maintenance
- Little to no slope
Planning the garden
Please submit a garden site plan that includes:
- Plot sizes and layout
- Pathways and what they’re made of
- Compost bins, rain barrels and other structures
Accessibility
The City can offer advice and help your garden group apply for funding to help make the garden more accessible. Things like crushed gravel pathways and raised beds can make the garden more welcoming for everyone.
Community engagement
The City will help you discuss your plans with people living or working nearby. This may include surveys and neighbourhood meetings; ideally at the proposed location for the community garden.
Submit your application
Please complete and send your community garden application by November 8 for the following spring. If we’re able to meet all the necessary requirements, the City will send all approvals and permits to your garden group by May 31 and we can get growing!
To start a community garden on non-City property
The City can also help you work with other property owners like to find a suitable spot for a community garden. First, ask the property owner if they would like to host a community garden, then contact the City.
For more information
Community garden coordinator
[email protected]