Important Garden Dates

As we move toward spring, it’s time to start planning for the upcoming season at U‑Grow. Whether you’re a returning gardener or joining us for the first time, the dates below will help you stay on track and get the most out of the growing year.

📅 March 15 – Garden Office Officially Opens

March 15 marks the official opening of the U‑Grow Garden office for the season. From this date onward, gardeners may begin accessing and working their plots, weather permitting.

Early‑season tasks may include:

• Checking soil conditions

• Removing winter coverings

• Tidying beds and paths

• Planning early plantings

Please avoid working soil that is still saturated, as this can damage soil structure and undo the benefits of winter rest and cover crops.

💳 March 15 – Rental Fees Due

Garden plot rental fees are due by March 15. Plots with unpaid fees after March 15 may risk losing access for the season.

🌻 March 15 – Submit Compost Order

Starting in 2027 we will place ONE bulk compost order with Klassens for their Big Bags of organic compost. Placing one bulk order allows us to take advantage of lower prices for multiple Big Bags, and the process is much easier for us to manage. Look for the order form to come out in January via email. Price and payment details will be on the order form.

🌿 April 1 – Plots Must Be Ready to Work

By April 1, all plots must be brought to a minimum standard of readiness. At a minimum, plots should be:

• Weed‑free

• Amended with organic compost, organic fertilizer, or well‑aged manure

• Ready for planting

This helps ensure a productive season, keeps weeds from spreading to neighboring plots, and supports overall soil health across the garden.

🍂 October 15 – Garden Office Closes

The U‑Grow garden office officially closes on October 15. After this date, regular administrative operations pause for the season.

Gardeners with winter crops—such as brassicas, carrots, leeks, and other cold‑hardy vegetables—are welcome to continue harvesting throughout the winter, as conditions allow.

Gardeners who did not complete their 4 required hours must submit the $200 in‑lieu fee by October 15.

🚪 Early Plot Release & Clean‑Up Requirement

Gardeners who wish to give up their plots before year‑end must ensure that their plots are fully cleared by October 15. This includes the removal of all crops, weeds, stakes, netting, and personal materials. Plots must be left clean, tidy, and ready for another gardener to take over.

If a plot is not cleared and returned to U‑Grow in a ready‑to‑use condition by October 15, the clean‑up deposit will be forfeited. In short, plots must be returned to U‑Grow in good order to avoid clean‑up costs.