P-PATCH COMMUNITY GARDENING PROGRAM

The Department of Neighborhoods P-Patch Program, in conjunction with the not -for- profit P-Patch Trust, provides 68 gardens for residents throughout Seattle. We will be adding another 4+ gardens in 2009. The community based program areas of the P-Patch Program are community gardening, market gardening, youth gardening, and community food security in the City of Seattle. These programs serve all citizens of Seattle with an emphasis on low-income and immigrant populations and youth. Our community gardens offer 1900 plot holders serve more than 3800 urban gardeners on 23 acres of land.

P-Patch community gardeners show their concern for the value of fresh organic vegetables by supplying fresg produce to Seattle food banks and feeding programs, P-Patch gardeners donated 12.3 tons in 2008. Supporting a strong environmental ethic, the P-Patch Program allows organic gardening only and since all our gardens are maintained by community members, we have an 8 hour annual volunteer requirement to the common spaces within our individual plot gardens. Due to high demand, there are maximum square foot requirements at most sites.

HOW DO P-PATCHES WORK?

Gardeners are collectively responsible for all the basic work to keep the P-Patch looking nice. Gardeners like you volunteer to team up and coordinate the tasks and activities that keep your garden running smoothly. This leadership group organizes work parties, watches over the site and coordinates with Program staff and P-Patch Trust. Please identify which activities interest you from the Preference List following the application. Please be aware it’s your responsibility to get involved, don’t wait for someone to call.

WHAT CAN I GROW?

Any vegetables, small fruits, flowers or herbs you choose. Organic gardening only. Produce may be shared with friends or donated to food banks but may not be sold.

WHAT SIZE ARE THE PLOTS, HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
PROGRAM PLOT FEES
$23 application fee
$11 for each 100sf gardened
Please refer to the examples below:

10 x 10 (100 square feet) - $34 annual fee
10 x 20 (200 square feet) - $45 annual fee
10 x 40 (400 square feet) - $67 annual fee
Plot fee assistance is available if you qualify; please call.

WHAT ELSE DO I RECEIVE?

• Annual spring meeting at your P-Patch
• Festive events: Harvest Banquet.
• Organic fertilizer, water, use of hoses, tools at most sites.
• Organic gardening educational opportunities (to be announced).
• Quarterly newsletter, the P-Patch Post, published by the P-Patch Trust.
• P-Patch Listserve: a moderated tool for gardeners and staff to share ideas, horticulture information, and events. New gardeners will be automatically added to the listserve and can expect zero to five e-mails a day. You may opt out by checking the “Do not add” box on the application page.
  

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?

• You must contribute a minimum 8 hours of time to the common areas of the garden
• You must give four of those hours at your P-Patch site.
• You must care for your plot (keep it weeded, watered and harvested!) and paths on a year-round basis
• You must provide soil improvements, seeds, tools (some tools available for loan) and labor.
• Keep in mind, as a gardener, you reflect the P-Patch program to the surrounding neighbors – please be nice.

HOW LONG IS THE GARDEN SEASON?

If you have a year-round garden (most plots are year-round), you should begin gardening as soon as the soil is workable orupon plot assignment. Then you must maintain your plot all year (plant, weed, water, harvest, and winterize!).

Fall and Winter Gardening options: Please remove all non-organic material (tomato cages, trellises, etc.) and choose one or a combination of these options to help with weed suppression and protect your soil from the winter rains. Tending the soil in the cool season pays you back in the warm!
Option #1: Grow winter crops such as garlic, onions, kale, etc.
Option #2: Plant cover crops: Cover crops are also called green manure because in the spring you dig them into your soil and they feed nitrogen and provide organic material as they decompose.
Option #3: Mulch /Sheet Compost to protect and build bare soil.

If you have a short season plot at Picardo, you may begin gardening in early April and must finish by the third weekend in October. Short season plots are rototilled in the spring and the fall.

HOW ARE PLOTS ASSIGNED?

Last year's participants have priority to renew their plots. New participants are assigned by waiting list rank. You may place your name on a waiting list for a more preferred site while still at your current site. Confirmation letters are mailed throughout the Spring.

P-Patch Community Garden Wait List

WHAT IS THE P-PATCH TRUST?

P-Patch Trust, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, partners with the P-Patch Program to nurture a strong community gardening organization for Seattle. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to the P-Patch Trust and please join. Click Here to visit the P-Patch Trust web site.

WHAT IS FOOD BANK GARDENING?

Most P-Patches have a food bank or “giving garden” program to provide fresh produce for those in need. In all P-Patches, individual gardeners can grow food in their own plots to donate to local food banks. Please think about planting an extra row to donate. Many P-Patches also have plots designated as “food bank plots” that are communally or individually gardened specifically to grow food for donation. Lettuce Link coordinates with food bank gardening leaders at each garden and will connect you to your nearest food bank. To get involved in food bank gardening, please call Michele Bates Benetua at 206-694-6754, or email michelleb@fremontpublic.org or talk to the food bank coordinator at your garden.