New Garden Application

Why are you interested in having an edible garden at your residence?

Nelson Urban Acres generally seeks gardens of 750 square feet or larger, with 1000 square feet or more being ideal. What is the approximate square footage of your potential garden site?

Since conversion of lawn or fallow land into garden is a major investment of labour, we prefer plots that have been tended to as a garden for at least the last year. Was your soil worked last year?

Because Nelson Urban Acres farms on multiple plots, it is best for each new garden to be generally in the shape of a rectangle, with one side being at least 20 feet long. Does your potential garden site satisfy these requirements?

It is important for our gardens to have good sun exposure and outside of the root zone of large trees. Does your potential garden spot satisfy these requirements?

We try to work in gardens during normal business hours, but occasionally circumstances arise where we will need to work early in the morning or later in the evening. Would this be a problem for you? Do you have any privacy concerns regarding access to your potential garden location?

Complex crop planning and rotations are instrumental for the success of a farm. Because of this it is very difficult to include homeowner input into the garden plans. Potentially you could have only carrots in the spring and then broccoli and squash in the winter, or you could have a good mix of many vegetables all year long.

Are you comfortable having a garden in your yard without having input over the crop schedule?

Soil history and current management practices are of great importance to the health of your garden and of the produce coming from the garden. If possible, please comment on the history of pesticide and fertilizer use in your immediate vicinity. This includes spot treatment, and lawn and tree care. Awareness of your neighbours' practices is helpful.

Do you have problems with pests in your yard – e.g., deer, slugs, etc.?

How did you hear about Nelson Urban Acres?