Community Gardens
The City of Woodstock is happy to provide garden plots in our community gardens. Community Garden Plots are available to residents at a cost.
Community Gardens
Donald A. Thompson Park Garden Plots
Located at 647 Springbank Ave.
- Ground plots are 10' x 10'.
- Raised accessible plots are 5'11" x 5'2" x 32" and hold 780L of soil.
- Two water taps available on site for use.
- The garden area is fenced.
Cottle Park Garden Plots
Please note that the Cottle Park community garden will be closed for the 2024 season.
Renting a Plot
Price
There are new fees for the 2025 season.
Current Availability
We are currently accepting applications for the 2025 season at Donald A. Thompson Park.
If you're interested in renting a plot at one of our community gardens please fill out a Garden Plot Application. If there are no available plots, please fill out a Wait List Application.
Garden Plot Allocation
Garden plots will be offered to the previous year's occupant. Previous year's occupants must submit their application by March 1 to retain their garden plot. Once a plot becomes available, it will be offered to the waiting list.
Garden Plot Rules
- Garden Plots are available for planting from May to October. The opening date will be given annually. All gardens need to be cleared out by November 1st of each year.
- The pathways between plots are not to be used for planting. Each gardener is responsible for keeping the pathways adjacent to their plot free of weeds.
- The gate entry into the plots is to be closed at all times.
- All garden tools, seeds, and plants must be supplied by the gardener.
- All gardeners must keep their plots free of weeds.
- Only organic products may be used on your garden plot.
- Pets are prohibited in the garden area.
- Gardeners are asked to leave the area by sunset.
- Rocks and compost must be taken to the designated areas. Do not leave in the grass.
Note: The City of Woodstock may amend these rules as needed.
Prohibited Behaviours
The following behaviours are prohibited within City parks and will result in loss of your garden plot:
- Smoking or vaping in or within 9 meters of a park.
- Making excessive noise.
- Consuming alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does a garden plot look like? |
| The gardens are set up within the City’s Neighbour Parks. The garden plots are fenced in. There is a spot for compost and a spot for rocks. |
| What are the benefits of garden plots? |
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs lists the following benefits of community gardens:
Some other benefits include:
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| What can I grow in the garden plots? |
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Fruits, vegetables, and flowers are welcome in the garden plots. It is strictly prohibited to plant cannabis/marijuana, or any species listed as invasive or as a weed by the Ontario Invasive Plant Council or the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. |
| Can I put up garden structures, such as fencing and stakes? |
| Fencing, stakes, and other materials are allowed. However, they may not block the pathways or prevent park staff from being able to cut grass and perform any maintenance that may be needed. |
| Who sets the garden plot prices? |
| City Council sets the fee bylaw annually. Prices may be adjusted year to year. |
| If I have an issue, who can I contact? |
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If you need assistance, you can reach out to the Parks Department. You can call 519-539-1291 ext. 4101 or send us an email. Calls and emails will be replied to between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. If you witness criminal activity or feel unsafe, please call 911. |
| Are the plots accessible? |
| Donald A. Thompson Park offers raised accessible garden plots. |
| What information do I need to provide when requesting a garden plot? |
| To rent a garden plot, you will need an account on our new registration and facility rental software Perfect Mind. Check out the online registration page to learn how to set up an account. A client account with up-to-date information is required to rent the garden plots. All information required to create an account is on the online application. |
| Can I use chemicals, like herbicides or pesticides? |
| The city does not allow the use of chemical pesticides. Only organic products can be used. Gardeners must adhere to Ontario’s Pesticides Act. |
| Can I bring my kids and pets to the garden plots? |
| Kids are welcome at the garden plots. Anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult.
Although on-leash pets are welcome in our City parks, they are not allowed within the fenced garden plot area. |
| What are my responsibilities? |
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Gardeners are responsible for upholding all Garden Plot Rules. Gardeners are expected to be respectful to the park land and all those using it. Gardeners are expected to adhere to all Municipal Bylaws, provincial and federal legislation. |
| What are the City's responsibilities? |
| The city is responsible for preparing the plots before the season starts and maintaining the fenced in area year-round. Maintaining the fencing, ensuring access to water, and fixing reported damage are some of the responsibilities of the City. Parks staff will be cutting the grass around the plots during the summer. |
| What do I need to do at the end of the season? |
| Before November 1, gardeners need to clear out their plots. This includes vegetation, fencing, stakes and other materials. |
