As a gardener at Bandi Schaum, below are several guidelines and rules we ask you to adhere to as a member.<\/p>\n
1. Bandi Schaum plots are rented \u201cas is\u201d (current condition) from the City of Pittsburgh. The City does not perform annual\u00a0tilling.<\/p>\n
2. Plots are not transferable. Plots that are given up or are revoked for cause will be designated for\u00a0re-assignment, and fees will not be refunded or pro-rated.<\/p>\n
3. Gardeners must maintain a current email address (preferred) or phone number on file with Bandi Schaum Steering Committee (BSSC).<\/p>\n
Contact changes should be sent to:\u00a0bandischaum@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n 4. To receive important information and updates, gardeners are encouraged to follow new posts on the Bandi Schaum website (News and Events page) at:\u00a0http:\/\/www.bandischaum.org\/news<\/a>. Other updates can be seen at the Bandi Schaum Community Garden facebook page.<\/p>\n In addition to paying the rental fees for an individual plot, gardeners are joining a community of\u00a0gardeners. As part of that community, gardeners are expected to observe the rules governing the garden\u00a0and be active participants in the community.<\/p>\n 1. All gardeners (new and returning) are required to attend the annual Spring Garden\u00a0Meeting and will introduce the BSSC and provide an\u00a0opportunity for new and returning gardeners to meet one another.\u00a0 The garden liaisons will review\u00a0the garden rules and procedures, discuss water availability, lock operation, communication issues,\u00a0etc. and answer questions.<\/p>\n 2. Garden plots should be cared for at least once a week. Failure to abide by the garden rules and\u00a0regulations will result in the forfeiture of your plot. \u00a0If a garden plot is not in compliance with the\u00a0regulations, notification will be sent by email. A follow-up inspection will be performed two weeks\u00a0after the email notice. If the plot is still not in compliance, it will be revoked and re-assigned to the\u00a0next household on the waiting list. All fees and produce will be forfeited.<\/p>\n 3. Gardeners are asked to volunteer one hour per month for the seven active gardening months during\u00a0the year. The active months are April through October.\u00a0Gardeners can contact the Steering Committee for more guidance.<\/p>\n 4. Compost and mulch are provided by the City Department of Public Works (DPW) when it is\u00a0available and is not a regular service.<\/p>\n 5. Gardeners are responsible for weeding, cultivating, and watering, and must arrange for someone\u00a0to maintain the garden plot if they are away. Gardeners who forfeit their plots must notify the BSSC;\u00a0they are not free to re-assign them privately.<\/p>\n 6. On\u00a0March 15th, gardeners may begin to work on their plots, if the soil is ready to be worked.\u00a0By May 1st, gardeners must begin work on their plots. By June 1st, gardeners must have\u00a0planted seeds, seedlings, or transplants in their plots. By\u00a0December 7th, gardeners must remove\u00a0dead plants, weeds, and summer garden debris from plots.<\/p>\n 7. To reduce weeds and pests, improve the soil, and maintain the garden\u2019s appearance, mulch\u00a0is strongly recommended. Gardeners are encouraged to use materials such as aged compost,\u00a0composted manure, leaves, straw, burlap, weed cloth, or layers of newspaper to protect the soil and\u00a0reduce weeds. Carpet, stone, and sod mulch are not allowed.<\/p>\n 8. Gardeners must weed their plots to prevent them from going to seed. Do not place weeds in\u00a0the compost piles! Place them\u00a0in the jersey barriers in the designated area.<\/p>\n 9. Gardeners are encouraged to\u00a0plant fall and winter crops,\u00a0if they wish. If not, they should take \u00a0steps to protect the soil by planting cover crops or covering their plots with barriers to reduce winter\u00a0weeds. Acceptable barriers include: newspaper (non-shiny parts) covered with mulch\/ compost,\u00a0burlap bags, weed cloth, plastic covering or tarps.<\/p>\nGarden Rules and Regulations<\/h4>\n