How many plots can I have?
Starting in 2015, the maximum number of plots per gardener is 4 (unless you are grandfathered in from last year). This is to make sure we have equal opportunities for all employees to garden.
What does till/no till mean?
Tilling is the process of plowing up a garden in the spring so that the earth is turned over and ready to plant. However, you may want to plant perennial plants that grow year after year, such as strawberries or hardy herbs like sage – in which case you wouldn’t want your plot tilled. Certain areas on site are designated as “no-till” to make it easier for FMS; choose plots there if you know you won’t want tilling.
Otherwise, mark your form when you submit your application to indicate till or no-till.
What’s a steward?
Each gardening area has one steward who is designated to act on behalf of the gardeners within. The steward can buy equipment for the area (composters, hoses, sprinklers, etc) with the funds collected from the gardeners in that area. He or she also coordinates with the Garden Club board for problems or questions about the area. The steward gets one plot for free.
Can I change the plots I have from last year?
Sure! It’s easy to drop a plot – just mark that on your form for this year. You can also submit a form to swap for another area or to add additional plots. See the plot page for instructions.
I can’t wait to start! When will the plots be tilled this year?
The schedule for tilling depends on availability of FMS personnel. Tilling is time consuming and must be fit in around higher priority FMS duties. A best guess is sometime in April.
I don’t want my plot tilled. When can I plant?
If you had a plot last year and don’t want it tilled this year, you’re good to plant anytime you can get your shovel in the ground. There is a column on the plot request form to indicate that you do not want your existing plot tilled. The Garden Club cannot be held responsible for tilled perennials!
What if I get a plot but then I have a baby/change buildings/win a new grant and get too busy to plant?
If you find out you will be unable or too busy to plant or maintain your plot this year, please let your steward know as soon as possible so that the Garden Club can assign your plot to someone else. Unattended plots grow up in weeds that can affect other nearby gardeners’ plots.
It’s midway through the season, but I still want a plot. Can I still have one?
You can ask the Garden Club for a plot at any time during the season! We frequently have openings or dropouts that make plots available.
Why do I have to join the Argonne Garden Club to get a plot?
The Garden Club oversees administrative duties for the Plot Program. The fees can be used for social events or speakers fees.
What does the $10 go to?
The plot fee will help cover general gardening supplies, which are not covered by the lab in any way. The intention is to purchase good quality hoses and nozzles that will last for all areas that have water. The club can also purchase mulch, soil, fencing, tools, plants, seeds, etc…depending on the members’ interests.
I don’t want a plot. Can I still join the Garden Club?
Absolutely! Anyone is welcome and encouraged. The Plot Program is only one aspect of the Garden Club.
How did the Garden Club get started?
Gail Stine, division director of FMS, started the program years ago. Each year it grew in size due to popularity, but with the growth came increased administrative duties for the division. Shifting the administration to the Garden Club in 2011 was a win-win situation in that FMS could reduce its effort spent and the Garden Club could gain some autonomy over the program. The Garden Club and FMS still work together so plots are tilled, grass is mown and so forth, but the future of the Plot Program is now more secure.