Community Garden Beds - Frequently Asked Questions
 

Q: When can I renew my sub-license agreement?

A: In 2025 the renewal period will run from January 14th to January 28th.  After this time, there is no guarantee that the bed(s) used the previous year will be available.

 

Q: When will I get my bed assignment?

A: Bed assignments for new gardeners will be provided by April 1st via email for those who register by March 25th. For those who register after March 25th, additional assignments will be emailed weekly. 

 

Q: When can I start gardening?

A: Upon completion of registration and bed assignment confirmation, returning gardeners may start any time, and new gardeners may start as soon as bed assignments are received.  

 

Q: Registration - Needham Resident / Non Needham Resident?

A: Needham residents will be given registration priority.

 

Q: How long can I garden in my leased bed?

A: All beds must be cleaned up and all annual plant material removed and properly discarded by December 1 of each year.  Gardeners in good standing who plan to renew may plant vegetables to overwinter.

 

Q: How long can I access my Community Bed?

A: You will have access to your Community Bed beginning the date it is renewed or assigned, between dawn and dusk. 

 

Q: What is the cost of Renting a Bed?

A: The fee is $120 for Needham Residents and $145 for nonresidents; income-eligible families and individuals may apply to lease a bed at no cost. Please note that this fee is non-refundable.

 

Q: Is there a Lease Agreement?

A: Yes. During registration you will be asked to e-sign a Sub-License Agreement.  The Needham Community Farm leases the land from the Town of Needham, and therefore the agreement to rent a bed for the season is called a “sub-license” agreement.

 

Q: Are there Community Rules?

A: Yes. During registration you will be asked to e-sign a Rules and Regulations Agreement.

 

Q: What Growing Restrictions are in place, if any?

A: Please read the full Rules and Regulations. Among other restrictions, growing cannabis is prohibited, and growing produce for sale is prohibited. Also, brambles such as raspberries and blackberries are not permitted, and gardeners will need to reasonably keep their plants within their beds so as to not block pathways. We prohibit the use of non-organic chemicals.

 

Q: Do I need to sign a Waiver?

A: Yes. During the online registration process you will be asked to e-sign a Waiver and Release. All adults who plan to come to the NCF Community Beds will need to e-sign this form.

 

Q: Do you offer Gardening Classes?

A: Yes. Please see the Gardening Classes page on our website for class descriptions, pricing, registration dates, start times. and additional details. In 2025, the Wednesday Night Independent growers classes will take place in the Community Beds, and class members will need to sub-lease a Community Bed. Community Beds members may also choose to take our Monday Collective Growers Class or Thursday Virtual Gardening Class. 

 

Q: What are the Registration Requirements?

A: Registration is on-line. Electronic signature of three documents is required during registration: 

  1) Needham Community Beds Sub-license Agreement

  2) Needham Community Beds Rules and Regulations Agreement

  3) Needham Community Farm Waiver

 

Q: How do I Pay for my Community Bed?

A: Payment is on-line, after submitting the Registration Form.

 

Q: Do I have to provide you with all of my contact information?

A: Yes. Gardeners must ensure that their contact information is current. Contact information must include name, address, phone number, and email address. Community Garden Bed assignments and any other Community Beds updates will be sent via email.

 

Q: Where are the Community Beds Located?

A: The Community Beds are located at the Needham Community Farm’s Primary Site off the end of Pine Street - please see our Directions page

 

Q: Where can I park, and how close is the parking to the Community Beds?

A: There is a parking area at the site. It is shared with the Needham Community Farm and the Needham Dog Park. All Gardeners must park in designated parking areas and must not drive past the gate. Please note that the walk from the parking area to the Community Beds entrance is about 100 yards.

 

Q: Can I bring my dog(s)?

A: No. Dogs are not allowed in the Community Beds area. 

 

Q: Do you provide any seeds or seedlings?

A: No, gardeners must purchase their own seeds and seedlings.

 

Q: Can I play music while I garden? What other restrictions are in place?

A: Gardeners should be respectful of fellow gardeners and may not play music at high volume or smoke any tobacco products or cannabis products while at the Community Beds. Also, alcoholic beverages may not be brought to or consumed at the Community Beds. Gardeners may bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages and are responsible for removing and disposing of all litter. 

 

Q: Does NCF provide tools for gardening?

A: Yes. The tools and materials available in the communal shed are for every gardener’s use. Tools should be used safely and for their intended purposes. Please return all communal tools and materials to the shed after you are finished with them. Also, gardeners are responsible for turning off water and recoiling hoses after use.

 

Q: How do I connect with NCF to provide non-urgent feedback?

A: Please email NCF-Comm-Beds@needhamfarm.org  Note that this will be monitored on a weekly basis.

 

Q: How do I connect with NCF to report an urgent problem or concern?

A: Please email NCF-Comm-Beds-ASAP@needhamfarm.org 

 

Q: Are the Community Garden Bed Gates Locked?

A: Yes, the gates should be locked at all times. Each gardener will be provided with the code to access the beds. Please make sure you keep it handy in case you forget it.  

 

Q: How many plots can I have?

A: Only one plot will be issued per household and is intended to grow vegetables and fruits for personal and family use.  Depending upon demand each year, sub-lease of a 2nd bed may be offered.

 

Q: What maintenance should I consider?

A: Please refer to the Rules and Regulations document for full elaboration. Gardeners are expected to clear weeds and keep the area neat for respect to other gardeners. If planning to be away, gardeners must make arrangements for someone to tend to their beds. 

 

Q: What type of soil was used in the bed construction? 

A: The beds are filled with compost provided by Black Earth Compost.

 

Q: How do registered Gardeners receive and/or share updates and information about the Community Beds?

A: All registered gardeners are placed on an email list and receive periodic communications from the Needham Community Farm.  In addition, all gardeners may join a google group where questions can be asked and information can be shared.

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Q: How do I apply for a Scholarship bed?

​A: Start the registration process.  After e-signing the Sub-lease and Rules & Regulations, you will find a link that will take you to the Scholarship Request Form.