Please read the guidelines carefully. Contact us with any questions or concerns.

• All plants grown in the Garden must be grown organically. Absolutely no commercial, non-organic fertilizer is to be used and no weed killing products may be applied to any part of the Garden. If in doubt about a product, please ask one of the Garden Coordinators first.
• Trees and other woody plants are not allowed on individual or communal plots. Vegetables, grains, berries, fruits, beans, and herbs are allowed on individual and communal plots.
• You should not allow your plants to shade someone else's plot unless agreed upon. Anything higher than three feet tall must be two feet away from adjoining plots. If the Garden Coordinators receive complaints, you will be asked to relocate your plants.
• Please be careful with invasive species. If you plant something in your plot that starts to invade another part of the garden, you may be asked to remove it. Note: an exception will be made for vine plants such as squash or cucumber so long as they are kept out of the main central walkway, are not a safety hazard and are not obstructing access to other members' plots.
• All produce harvested from the garden - including the fenced-in area - should be washed thoroughly before eating. Recommended washing solution: 1 tbsp white vinegar + 1.5 litres water. Dunk the produce in the washing solution and then rinse with water.
• Personal plots must be maintained to the satisfaction of the Maintenance Coordinator. This includes normal watering, weeding and general care of the assigned plot. If your space is unutilized by June 1st or if it is unattended for two weeks at any time during the season, it will be reassigned to the next person on the waiting list.
• If you are away for more than two weeks another gardener who you have registered must look after your plot in your absence. If you can't find someone, inform the Maintenance Coordinator so that other arrangements can be made. Gardeners wishing to cancel mid-season should notify Coordinators so that plots may be reassigned.
• If you have ripe produce falling to the ground and it is not collected regularly, that produce will be donated to one of the community organizations in the area.

Communal Plots are located in the North-East and North-West section of the garden. These plots will be clearly marked and different regulations apply to them.

1. The Communal plots are devoted to growing produce for specific organizations like The Christie Ossington Neighborhood Centre. All produce from these plots are reserved for the specified organization. These plots will be tended by members of that organization and outside volunteers, as well as any members of the garden who wish to lend a hand. These plots may be used for workshops and programs designed the CPCG Committee

• Recycling bins will not be available in the garden. All recyclables must be disposed of outside of the garden in city receptacles.
• Pets must be kept on a leash in the garden and in the park. Pet owners are required to clean and remove all pet droppings immediately (stoop and scoop). Do not compost pet droppings as this is a health hazard for humans.
• Laneways and paths are to be kept clear of obstacles. Personal property must not be left on the site overnight. Tools must be put away neatly in the garden shed.
• Installation of any fencing, boards, trellises or any other materials to enclose individual plots are prohibited without consent from the coordinators.
• Do not go into someone else's plot to plant, weed or harvest unless invited by the gardener of that plot.
• Produce from plants may not be sold but may be exchanged.
• Please report any vandalism or theft to the Maintenance Coordinator.
• All plots not allotted at the beginning of each season will then be offered to waitlisted gardeners or will become additional community plots. The Garden Coordinators will allocate plots accordingly.
• Plot holders cannot transfer plots to other individuals. The Garden Group Coordinator will allocate cancelled plots appropriately to people on the waiting list.
• Plot holders are responsible for tilling and preparing their plots prior to use each season and for clearing and cleaning up their plot at the end of the growing season.
• Plots must be worked on throughout the duration of the gardening season, generally understood to be May 1 through October 15, subject to weather conditions.
• Community garden waste should be composted on site OR disposed of through the residential yard waste collection program as per Solid Waste Management's rules.
• Members are encouraged to make use of and help maintain the communal composting area according to the rules of use in the garden guidelines.

Guidelines for the use of the community compost bin:

1. Plant materials only. No meat, eggs, dairy, animal waste or non-biodegradable items should be placed in the composter.
2. If you pulled a plant or part of a plant from your garden because it was diseased, please do not dispose of it in the compost bin.
3. Weeds that have gone to seed should be disposed of in the garbage, not the compost bin.
4. No large-diameter sticks or other wood products, as these will not break down quickly.

• All members are expected to participate in garden activities and projects by signing up for community tasks as set out by the steering committee and coordinators. Each member must sit on and be an active participant of a committee as specified by the Christie Pits Community Garden organizational structure.
• If you would like to contribute a plant to the community plots, please let one of our coordinators know before you plant it. They will help select a suitable planting location and make sure it gets appropriate care.
• Any tools left in the garden area are there at your own risk – although we promote positive use of this space, the Christie Pits Community Garden Committee bears no responsibility for lost or stolen tools, plants, planting supplies, etc.
• The trees surrounding the community garden must be respected and any pruning will be done by The Toronto Parks Department.
• Produce grown around the perimeter of the garden is for all members of the community, but please take modestly. Please inform coordinators of any plantings in the outside border. This border is available for planting native plants and flowers.
• In the case of a dispute between gardeners that cannot be resolved easily and peacefully, the issue should be brought to the attention of the Membership Coordinator who will mediate and decide on future actions. The Christie Pits Community Garden is meant to be a place of peace where our community can create something fundamental by our collective efforts.

In the event of non-compliance with the above rules, the Christie Pits Community Garden Coordinators will issue a verbal or written notice to the member. If at the end of a two-week period the problem has not been solved, the plot will be reassigned, and membership revoked.