Berkeley Heights Community Garden
How the Garden Operates
The Berkeley Heights Community Garden opened in April 2019 and provides residents of Berkeley Heights and nearby towns the opportunity to rent a plot for the growing season, typically March through November. Renewing members are permitted to winter over their beds and plant crops for spring harvest.
There are 30 plots available for rent with additional plots reserved as a “giving gardens” to grow produce for donations to Little Flower Food Pantry in town. Donations are delivered Saturdays during the growing season. One of the plots is available as a restricted mobility raised bed.
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All Gardeners must participate in the Spring and Fall clean-ups and be an active member on one of the Garden Committees. In addition we have a Garden Committee comprised of several gardeners and a member of the Environmental Commission that helps coordinate the Garden Activities.
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The garden operates as an organic garden and over the course of the season, there are many opportunities to learn gardening techniques and share with other gardeners. We have a drip irrigation system for all of our raised beds as well as compost bins, a shed and cold frame.
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Applications for new gardeners are made available in November for the upcoming season. If the garden is oversubscribed, a lottery system will be used to select the new gardeners.
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The Berkeley Heights Community Garden receives oversight from the Environmental Commission. We are a tax-exempt organization and while a town garden we are financially independent. We rely upon donations and our gardeners to fulfill our mission.
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The History of Our Community Garden
How We Started
Berkeley Heights Community Garden came to fruition by the efforts of our Environmental Commission. Master Gardener Richard Leister and Len Berkowitz worked tirelessly for over six years to plan with the state and gain grants necessary to build the garden. They were confident the impact that community gardens could have on Berkeley Heights residents. The garden was constructed by local residents over the course of several weekends. Collaborating as a town to build this garden was a tremendous moment. Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to volunteer or you’d like to make a monetary contribution, we’d love for you to be a part of our community garden’s history.
Scout Donations
Girl and Boy Scout Projects
The Berkeley Heights Community Garden has been fortunate to receive significant enhancements due to the overwhelming generosity of our Berkeley Heights Boy and Girl Scouts. Our shed, compost bins, cold frame, ADA compliant walkway, Children's Garden and honeybee initiatives were all donated by young adults that have made a lasting and significant contribution to our town. To learn more about the honeybee project and the Children's Garden please refer to drop down menu.