Toms River Offers Community Garden Plots

TOMS RIVER, NJ —If you have always wanted to grow your own vegetables but have no yard to create one, Toms River has created a place for residents to indulge their green thumb.

The Toms River Community Gardens at Riverwood Park, presented by the mayor and council along with the Toms River Green Team consists of 10 plots available for rent by township residents.

"The purpose of the Community Garden at Riverwood is to encourage healthy eating and good environmental practices by offering community members an area to cultivate, grow and harvest their own produce and/or flowers," the township said in announcing the gardens. "Our goal is to provide a space for gardening to grow plants in an environmentally sustainable way that is available to all community members."

The 4-foot-by-8-foot plots have parking, water and "very rich soil" to accommodate what each gardener wants to grow.

"If you have absolutely no experience in gardening, this is perfect for you," the news release said. "Come and learn, enjoy the farm atmosphere, and meet other gardening enthusiasts."

Toms River residents and organizations will be given priority, and the rent for the sites is $25.

A limited number of SNAP residents, 501(c)3 organizations, and student/youth groups will be accepted for a free lease, and student/youth groups or 501(c)3 organizations accepted will be required to help with fall or spring garden clean‐up for additional Community Service Hours.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. You will be notified of acceptance and payment and a signed garden contract will be due within five business days or
your plot will be reassigned.

For more information, contact Gail D’Amico at the Toms River Green Team at 732-406‐8323 or by email at gaildamico@gmail.com.

The rules for the gardens are as follows and aim to "ensure that all members mutually respect each gardener’s plot and understand good gardening practices so all can grow together."

1. Each gardener/youth organization is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their garden plot. Watering, weeding, harvesting and any other garden related maintenance are all the responsibility of the gardener. Gardeners may arrange for other gardeners to water or take care of their plots in their absence.
2. Gardeners are encouraged to use organic fertilizers, insecticides or herbicides and use them in such a way as to not interfere with another gardener's plot.
3. Your garden bed must be planted, maintained and contained within its boundaries. Weeds are to be kept to a minimum and any diseased or dying plants and debris must be removed and placed in a trash bin to prevent spreading. You should plan to spend 2-3 hours a week tending to your beds.
4. Please keep all areas around your garden bed free from debris, weeds or tool.
5. All tools, hoses or equipment belonging to the Toms River United Sustainability Team (TRUST) should be stored in the shed. You are responsible to bring your own gardening tools to use. Any tools left behind are left at the gardeners’ risk. Toms River United Sustainability Team (TRUST) is not responsible for gardeners’ personal tools and equipment.
6. No pets are allowed in the Garden.
7. Parents are responsible for the constant supervision of their children at all times while in the garden.
8. Children should not be in another garden bed area without the permission and presence of that gardener.
9. Plants regulated or prohibited by federal or state laws are prohibited in the garden.