Sliding Scale Fees for Community Garden Plots
We implemented a sliding scale for community garden plot fees in early 2020, changing annual fees for some gardeners. Prior to this, the plot fees changed in 2010 from $25 to $40 per season. Ten years later, we’ve identified a need within our program to bump up the plot prices again without marginalizing low income community members. The chart below shows how the sliding scale works - it’s based on household size and gross annual income. Continue reading for further explanation for this change.
Please contact us for sliding scale fees if your household is bigger than 8.
Six reasons for the new sliding scale:
To support a growing garden plot scholarship program
To invest in future infrastructure repairs and maintenance, including renovations to improve access and opportunity for all abilities
To foster a sustainable future for the community garden program and Garden City Harvest as an organization. We want to keep doing what we’re doing in our community for generations to come. On average, each plot costs Garden City Harvest over $200 each year to maintain. That covers the basics of straw, compost, tools, etc. Know that if your plot fee goes up, the funding will go toward essentials for the program.
Future access to low-cost nutritious food, physical activity, and a connection to natural world and community networks by providing guidance, support, and working hands to help build future community gardens as Missoula’s urban complex grows.
The increase in price will allow us to continue to cover all costs associated with water, tools, compost, straw, repairs, educational materials, and administration. This is still a savings: the average home vegetable gardener can expect to spend $100 - $200 each year on materials and supplies (not including water bills, infrastructure or installation costs).
For the last many years, plot fees have accounted for only 17% of the total community garden budget. We’re committed to providing access and resources for those who wouldn’t have it otherwise, but for those who can afford it, we need a little help.
Photo by Athena Photography
More about costs
Garden City Harvest is committed to providing places and opportunities for everyone to access healthy and fresh food regardless of income, ability, or means. So, it’s important to us that the $40 plot fee does not change for those with annual income below 50% of median income. Additionally, we will continue to offer our garden scholarships and payment plans for those in need of further financial assistance. The $20 refundable deposit is also not changing.
Plot fees will depend on each household’s annual income range established by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD.gov) for Missoula County, which is updated annually and reflected on our sliding scale chart above.
the value of your garden plot
An average community garden plot can produce 300 pounds of food at $0.06 per pound. For the last two years, gardeners have saved up to $15.00 per week on groceries by growing their own. Which means that from May 1 - October 1, a gardener can save $360 on their food budget. Some of our gardeners report saving $30 - $40 per week! To learn more about how to maximize your savings with your garden plot, check out this blog.
Don’t forget, we’re here to help you grow fresh and healthy food! The community garden program is continually working to expand educational opportunities for gardeners with our garden mentor program and our workshop series by bringing in community experts and addressing the issues gardeners identify in the End-of-Season Community Garden Surveys.
If you need further help maximizing your harvest and growing space, your garden leadership committee and mentors are there to help, and would be more than happy to dig in the soil with you! Contact community garden staff to put you in touch with a leadership committee member or garden mentor.