*Each garden has its own regulations. These will be communicated to you during your annual general meeting.
*Each gardener must know and respect the rules of gardening and civic-mindedness in community gardens, any failure to comply with these rules can lead to eviction.
Gardening rules
Access to the gardens
The gardens are open from May 1st to November 1st.
Exceptions may be granted for winter gardening or early sowing, at the request of the committee to the Borough.
Opening hours
The gardens are accessible from sunrise to sunset.
Sowing and planting
On 1 June, at least 75% of the garden area must be sown or planted.
Non-compliance leads to expulsion without further procedure.
Closure of the gardens
All gardens must be closed by 1 November at the latest.
Closure terms
Crop residues
Healthy stems and leaves can be:
Pruned and composted on site;
Deposited in the collective composting area;
Thrown into the green bin (if available);
Brought home.
Perennial plants
They can remain in place if the gardener plans to renew his registration.
Wooden structures
Tutors and supports must be removed and placed on the ground. Anti-marmot fences may remain with the committee’s agreement.
Non-compostable waste
They must be removed. Only certain objects (e.g., tomato cages, small shovels) are tolerated if they do not present a risk.
Recovery of perennials after eviction
The evicted gardener can retrieve his perennials within 10 days of receiving the expulsion letter.
Absence
Management of the garden in case of absence
The gardener must entrust his garden to a co-gardener or a registered co-gardener.
Any absence of more than two weeks must be reported to the committee.
Contact
The District must be able to contact the replacement person.
Responsibility
The holder remains responsible for the actions of the person to whom he entrusts his garden.
Plant height
The plants and stakes must allow a person to be seen and to see in the garden.
The height is measured from the ground level of the alleys to avoid shading on the neighboring gardens.
Height of plants and structures
Height limits
This table specifies the maximum heights allowed for plants and structures (e.g.: arbours, stakes). These heights are measured from the ground level of the aisles.image2.png, Image
Definition – Arbor
Arch-shaped or circular structure, made of wire netting or stakes, serving as a support for climbing plants.
Level of the earth
The soil of the garden should be located at 3 cm (1 inch) under the wooden edge of the garden.
Clearance of the common paths
Plants, stakes and structures must be installed at least 10 cm (4 inches) inside the edge of the garden.
The aisles must remain free of any obstacle: objects, plants or unwanted herbs.
Maintenance of wood edges
The committees responsible for maintaining the edges must comply with the construction standards (see annex II). The borders must not contain nails, screws, rotten wood or dangerous objects.
In case of rot, the committee must coordinate the replacement with materials provided by the Borough, according to technical specifications.
If the borders serve as a retaining wall for the entire garden, the Borough is responsible.
Materials allowed
The materials used must be non-toxic and designed for outdoor use.
For the borders: only untreated cedar or hemlock planks are allowed.
The use of furniture is prohibited.
Unnecessary plastic materials (e.g. bags) must be removed.
Enlargement of the garden
It is forbidden to expand one’s garden. The common paths must be preserved.
It is forbidden to plant outside the boundaries defined by the wooden planks.
Community garden fences
It is forbidden to attach anything to the outdoor fences without permission from the Borough.
Cultivated area
At least 75% of the garden area must be cultivated during the season.
Cultivated species
Mandatory diversity
Minimum of 5 vegetable species per garden.
Varieties of the same species (e.g., cherry tomatoes and beef heart tomatoes) count as a single species.
A species cannot occupy more than 25% of the area.
Flowers, fine herbs and small fruits
Can occupy up to 30% of the area.
Amaranth
Only one plant in bloom is allowed.
The flowers must be covered to prevent the spread of seeds.
This rule also applies to amaranthus cruentus (red spinach).
Banned plants
The cultivation of the following plants is prohibited in the community gardens of the Borough. This list aims to prevent the spread of invasive species, toxic or harmful to local biodiversity.
Prohibited plants:
Amaranth (uncontrolled or not covered)
Cannabis
Invasive plants recognized by the Ministry of the Environment or the City of Montreal
Plants toxic to humans or animals (ex: datura, castor, black nightshade)
Unauthorized woody or shrub plants
Any plant cultivated for commercial purposes
Maintenance of the garden
The garden needs to be maintained throughout the season. This includes:
The control of undesirable herbs;
The management of invasive plants.
Maintenance of pathways and common areas
The maintenance of common areas is a shared responsibility between gardeners, according to the rules specific to each garden.
Gardeners whose gardens line the paths must:
Keep the pathways free of unwanted herbs;
Remove any overhanging objects or plants.
Maintenance of raised bins
No objects should be placed around the bins to preserve traffic.
To extend their lifespan, it is forbidden:
To paint the bins;
To enlarge them;
To attach objects to it.
Residual materials (waste)
To know how to dispose of a waste:
Recyc-Québec – Recovery points
Recyclable materials
To take home, rinse and dry before recycling.
Organic matter
Green residues can be:
Taken out in the green bins for collection;
Collectively composted (area managed by the committee);
Composted in situ in the garden;
Brought back home.
Ultimate waste
Must be taken home (e.g., soiled pots, empty soil bags).
Goal: zero landfill in Montreal by 2030.
More info: City of Montreal – Zero waste
Waste
In case of impossibility to harvest, the gardener must:
Find a replacement person;
Or offer one’s vegetables to the committee for redistribution.
Pests, diseases and unwanted herbs
Only natural fertilizers and ecological methods are allowed:
Physical barriers;
Size;
Natural pesticides (insecticidal soap, sulphur, copper).
Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are prohibited
Common tools
Common tools must be stored in the sheds after use.
Appliances for the maintenance of common areas must not be used for gardens.
It is forbidden to hide or keep common tools in one’s garden or that of another.
Rules of conduct
The rules of conduct aim to ensure fair access, a safe environment and a harmonious atmosphere for all those who use community gardens. They apply to all users: gardeners, co-gardeners and their family members, without distinction of age, gender or religion.
The garden committees (NPO) and the staff of the District are responsible for their implementation.
Tranquility of the place
Relations between members must be respectful.
It is forbidden to use rude, insulting, obscene or vexatious language or behaviour towards anyone.
Flight
The flight is strictly prohibited. This includes:
Harvesting vegetables in another garden without permission;
Hide or take away tools;
Transport soil out of the garden;
Take objects belonging to others;
Picking in common areas without permission;
Appropriate an excessive share of the crops intended for sharing.
Harvest in the garden of others
Prohibited without explicit authorization from the garden owner and prior information to the committee.
Circulation in the garden
Foot traffic only.
No motorized vehicle is authorized without permission from the Borough.
The doors must be closed and barred at the entrance and exit.
Wild and domestic animals
Pets prohibited, except guide or assistance dogs.
It is forbidden to kill a wild animal. This leads to expulsion without notice.
Any intervention (e.g., trapping) must be validated by the Borough and carried out by a certified professional.
The movement of marmots is strongly discouraged, as it often results in their death.
Children
Children are welcome, but must be supervised at all times.
They must stay close to their parents and not move around alone.
In case of non-compliance with the rules or breach, a notice of non-compliance will be given to the parent.
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and drugs
Alcohol prohibited, except during social activities authorized by the Borough (permit required two months in advance).
Banned drugs, including cannabis.
Tobacco prohibited within 9 meters of any facility welcoming the public and near minors.
Paid work
It is forbidden to pay or be paid for carrying out work in a garden or in common areas.
Sale of the production
The sale of vegetables or any production from the community garden is strictly prohibited.
Urine and excreta
It is strictly forbidden to urinate or defecate in the gardens.
Serious reprehensible acts
Any serious gesture is prohibited, notably:
Verbal or physical aggression;
Psychological or sexual harassment;
Intimidation;
Theft or vandalism.
Procedures in case of non-compliance with the rules
Access to community gardens is a privilege. Non-compliance with the rules can lead to temporary or permanent expulsion, without exception, even for committee members.
First warning
Operating and gardening rules
Verbal, telephone or email warning, or visual signal in the garden.
7 days to correct the situation.
Rules of conduct
Warning issued by the committee or the Borough.
Expected commitment to change behavior.
Second warning
Operating rules
Written warning sent by the District.
14 days to correct the situation.
Rules of conduct
Notice of intent to expel sent by the District.
Possibility to present one’s version of the facts during a meeting.
7-day delay to schedule this meeting.
Eviction notice
Operation
Expulsion if previous warnings are not followed.
Prohibition of access to the garden for 3 years.
Possibility to appeal within 10 working days.
Automatic expulsion without notice
Applicable in case of:
Non-sowing on 1 June;
Non-closure of the garden on November 1st;
Serious reprehensible gesture;
Unauthorized absence for more than 2 consecutive months.
Final decision
The Borough communicates its decision by email or letter.
The expulsion is effective immediately if confirmed.
Possible re-enrollment after 3 years, in another garden if required.
File of the gardeners
All reviews are kept for 3 years.
A recurrence may result in an automatic warning.
Consequences of the expulsion
Prohibition of access to all community gardens in the Borough for 3 years.
Prohibition to re-register on the waiting list during this period.