Garden Plots

River Road Park (1021  62nd Street NW)

River Road Park in NW Rochester is located at the intersection of 62nd Street and West River Road (approx. 1/2 mile north of Essex Park). Plots are available for $35.00 each and measure 20' x 30'.  The garden plots will be available by May 1, depending on weather and soil conditions.

Zumbro South Park (1111 Mayowood Road SW)

Zumbro South Park in SW Rochester is located at 1111 Mayowood Road SW. The plots measure 20' x 30' and rent for $35.00 each. The garden plots will be available by May 1, depending on weather and soil conditions.

1. It is the responsibility of each renter of a garden plot to understand these rules and regulations.
2. Gardens must be returned to a condition similar to when first available for rent, with all materials removed.  The only exception is leaving vegetation from the growing season.
3. Orange or bright colored fencing is not permitted at any of the City of Rochester garden plots.  Fencing must be neutral colors only.
4. Gardens should be kept clean and free of weeds. This includes any walks adjacent to or bordering other sections of the garden. Your walks and garden plots should be kept neat and tidy. Failure to maintain your garden plot after due warning will result in forfeiture of your gardening privileges.
5. Absolutely no dumping of any materials onto adjacent park property.
6. Approximately one foot should be left for access paths between garden plots.
7. No structures will be allowed.
8. No fertilizers, insecticides or herbicides will be used that will in any way detrimentally affect adjacent gardens or grass areas.
9. No pets allowed in or around the gardens.
10. You may only reserve a plot for one season and there is no guarantee that you will get the same plot next year. We try to accommodate, but it is on a first-come, first-served basis.
11. The garden plots will be available by May 1, depending on weather and soil conditions. DO NOT call before this time. You will be sent a notice of when the plots are available. After May 1 - call 328-2515 to inquire about plot readiness.
12. At the end of each gardening season (October 15), the grounds will be tilled by the Park and Recreation Department. All crops must be harvested by this date, or they will be destroyed. Please remove all non-compostable materials from the garden area by October 15.  Any items left behind after this date will be forfeited.
13. Any non-compostable materials left behind will be cleaned up by park staff.  Staff time, dumping fees and any other costs associated with cleanup will be billed to each plot renter as applicable.  Items that are difficult to clean up will result in higher cleanup fees. Difficult-to-clean-up items are listed below.
14. It is important that you always respect the rights of others and appreciate the fact that this land has been made available for your personal use. Remember, open water sources are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.  Please try to cover all water being stored on site.
15. Please make every effort to follow these gardening guidelines. It will help ensure everyone has a successful and enjoyable gardening experience.
16. Additional cleanup required will eliminate you from renting garden space next year.

Items difficult to clean up that will add to clean-up costs:

• Plastic bird netting
• Plastic with a thickness of less than 6 mil
• Lightweight landscape fabrics
• Tires