Registration for two organic community gardens in Normal opens at the Normal Parks & Recreation office,100 East Phoenix Ave., at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 5 for Normal residents and at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 7 for non-residents.
Returning gardeners who wish to renew their plots from last season must do so before 5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 28 at the Normal Parks & Recreation office.
Renewals and new garden plots are limited to one per family. Open garden plots are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis via in-person registration. Online registration is not available.
“The community gardens program provides a challenging experience of growing your own vegetables,” said Gene Kotlinski, Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation. With gardening becoming more popular, our program provides the opportunity for anyone who is willing to invest some time to nurture plants until they are ready for a rewarding harvest.”
Community gardens are located at:
- One Normal Plaza, 1110 Douglas St.
- Ironwood Park, 1900 N. Linden St.
Annual fees for the variety of plot sizes available are as follows:
| For this size plot: | The seasonal fee is: | ||
| 10’ x 10’ | $15 | ||
| 10’ x 20’ | $25 | ||
| 20’ x 20’ | $35 |
Gardens will be tilled and prepared prior to the start of the 2024 gardening season. Participants may begin gardening in their assigned plots no earlier than April 20. All soil amendments and plant applications must meet organic standards. Synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are strictly prohibited. Water is available at both sites. All plots must be cleared by Nov. 4.
Participants must maintain their plots as weed-free as possible. Please review the Gardening Rules and Regulations carefully which can be found on the Normal Parks and Recreation website: https://www.normalil.gov/798/Community-Gardens
