Chester Township is proud to offer a 120-plot community garden where residents and others can grow organic vegetables, fruits, and flowers in a sunny, fenced location. The Chester Community Garden is located at Highlands Ridge Park, 100 North Road, Chester. It is open from spring until fall, and gives gardeners access to soil, compost, water, tools, and full sun. Gardeners can rent anything from a plot for one year, to several plots for several years. Plots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Rototilling is available at a small cost.
The community garden operates according to organic gardening principles. No herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, or non-organic fertilizers are permitted. On occasion, training workshops are provided through the Rutgers Master Gardener program. Beginning gardeners will find that more experienced gardeners are eager to educate and assist, and care for their plot while away.
The maintenance of the garden is based on each gardener putting in time to take care of the garden. The by-laws require each gardener to keep the garden in good repair and looking and functioning at its best. All are encouraged to work their plots and keep them as weed-free as possible. While a constant chore, weeding will help produce higher veggie yields and a more attractive looking garden. For those whose bounty exceeds what they are able to use, donation bins are provided by the gate to benefit area food pantries.
If you are interested in renting a garden plot this year, please call Sarah at (201) 400-9043 or email garden@chestertownship.org. If a plot is available, then download the registration forms at right, fill them out, and mail them with your check made out to ‘Chester Township’ at 1 Parker Road, Chester NJ 07930, Attn: Community Garden. We hope to see you in the garden!
