COVID-19 AND OUR COMMUNITY GARDEN

The current Minnesota Stay at Home Executive Order allows for community gardening, as long as safety guidelines are followed. We are required to follow these guidelines while leasing City-owned lots for gardening this year.

Things may change as we know more, but for now let’s all plan for...

• If you’re not feeling well, please stay home.
• Give each other 6 feet of space.
• Wear a mask when in the garden if others are present (text Rowen if you need one - I’ll happily make on for you!)
• We are going to be doing a lot of connecting digitally this year, but for those of you who feel comfortable joining in-person meetings and group workdays we will be keeping them to 10 or less people with social distancing (6 feet of space).
• If possible, let’s stagger times in which we’re gardening to limit contact. If the garden feels too busy to give 6 feet of space, try stopping by at a different time 
• As we aren’t equipped to disinfect the community shed with bleach or warm soapy water, please bring your own tools, gloves, and watering can and take them back home with you.  The shed will remain locked this year.
• Those that are financially unable to bring their own tools and gloves connect with us 1:1 and we can arrange for loaner tools for the year.
• Lynn and Rowen will keep the rain barrels full this year. Please give us a heads up if we miss that they need to be filled.
• Most importantly, if you’re not feeling safe let us know so we can communicate more to those in the garden community and support everyone.

We’re not going to get wood chips or compost this year because the city isn’t going to be delivering any due to COVID-19. If you’d like you may get it on your own or reach out to us and we can see what we can do to support your need.

And finally, let’s all enjoy mindful gardening and spending time outdoors! I’m thankful we get the chance to stay socially connected with our gardening neighbors even though we are physically apart.