Who owns and operates the garden?

The owner and operator of the Vestec Community Garden is the municipality of Vestec and the operation is in the charge of an authorized administrator.

Who is the Vestec Community Garden for?

Citizens of the municipality of Vestec who have their permanent residence here. More detailed conditions of membership are given in separate documents. The typical target group of all community gardens is people interested in eating healthy and fresh produce who want to try what they can grow themselves. Regardless of whether they are parents of young children or active seniors, the garden spaces are also designed for building relationships between neighbours, for neighbourhood gatherings.

Why is the community garden area fenced off and chip-accessed?

There is a specific regime in the community garden area, which must be followed. Since the citizens will grow their own crops in rented boxes and there are also facilities including other equipment, the area must be sufficiently protected against possible vandalism and other undesirable phenomena. Entry chips will therefore be available to registered members. The garden area is monitored by the camera system of the Municipal Police Vestec.

How much does it cost to rent a raised bed and what does the price include?

The price is determined by the price list set by the municipal council for the calendar year. The price for growing members includes not only the use of the raised bed including soil, but also the use of the garden facilities including common areas, toilets and kitchen, not only for the community garden member, but also for other household members or accompanying persons. The price also includes water and electricity consumption.

Will those who do not grow there have access to the garden space?

Yes it will, but not without limitations. This is an "N" membership, which is subject to the purchase of a chip access card. In addition to its growing function, the community garden will serve as a neighborhood gathering place. Various community and municipal events will be held here over time, and the public will have access to these events. We want the community garden to be a venue for neighborhood festivals and other events, not only between members but also with other neighbors. The general public has the opportunity to visit the community garden during the open day regularly every Saturday from 9am to 1pm. During this time, the traditional Farm Produce Sale takes place. For the latest changes to this event or invitations to other events open to the public, please visit our social media (Facebook or Instagram).

Can I lend my entry chip to someone else?

Yes, a community garden member holding an entry chip can lend the chip to another person they trust, e.g. members of a shared household. This applies, for example, to the need to water a growing space in the absence of the member.

How can I become a registered member of the Community Garden?

The municipality will always announce the possibility to apply for membership before the start of the growing season and citizens will be able to submit their applications (electronically or on paper at the office of the municipal office) within the given time. After paying the fee and agreeing to the operating rules, they will then become members and enjoy all the benefits of membership. 

Does it get to all applicants automatically?

This is unfortunately not possible due to capacity reasons. The garden has a total capacity of 40 raised beds for hire and the communal areas have a limited capacity as well. Should interest exceed capacity for a given year, a draw will be held and successful applicants will become members, others will become alternates. Depending on the development of interest in the community garden among the public, the municipality will adapt its strategy for the next season to meet any increased interest.

What rules will apply within the garden and is the garden suitable for children?

The rules are defined in the garden's operating rules and other guidelines agreed upon by the members, but visitors are also expected to be considerate of others and to maintain cleanliness. For example, similar to the playgrounds in Vestec, dogs are not allowed in the garden, even on a leash (dogs can be tied up in a designated area). Furthermore, it is necessary to observe, for example, the ban on smoking cigarettes and tobacco outside the designated area, because we want to be considerate towards non-smokers and especially children. However, unlike playgrounds, which are built according to the relevant standards and with the intention of creating a safe space for children, it is not possible to leave children free to play in a community garden. The garden has multiple functions at the same time and in order to keep children safe and to protect the property of the municipality and community members, children need to be supervised by parents or other responsible adults.

What other activities will members be able to do in the garden?

Growing crops is an essential but not the only function of any good community garden. There is, for example, a children's water feature for the youngest gardeners on hot summer days. It will be possible to roast marshmallows on the fire pit or just sit with neighbours under the covered pergola in case of bad weather. We intend to hold various professional workshops on growing or composting and other community and municipal events, to which the public will also have access.

I want to grow but I am a complete beginner and I don't know what to do, can anyone give me some advice?

Within the community, we will help each other and pass on our experience, because the garden is not only for experienced growers, but we also welcome enthusiastic beginners who want to grow their first tomato or zucchini and will not be discouraged by any failures. We will be holding expert workshops where you can share your growing experiences and learn more about growing from the experts. Mutual cooperation and communication, as well as sharing of experience among members, are necessary especially to ensure that common unwanted influences such as pests, weeds, moulds, etc. do not damage the crops of other members in the surrounding beds.

Is there water available in the garden for watering?

Yes, there is drinking water available from the mains water supply, and the beds are watered from watering cans. However, we prefer watering with rainwater.

Do I have to have my gardening tools?

It's better that way. Basic gardening tools will be available in the garden, mainly for the maintenance of the common areas of the garden. Each member who rents a raised bed will also have a place to store their own small tools in the common storage area.

Is there a composter in the garden for disposing of bio-waste?

Yes, the garden will have not only a container for the so-called bio-waste that is taken to the composting plant, but also small composters for direct composting several times during the year, because composting definitely belongs in any good community garden.

Do you have any other questions? Feel free to email the administrator at zahrada@vestec.cz.