Welcome to Parklab Community Garden!

We’re so excited to have you join our community of gardeners here at Urban Sprouts @ Parklab Community Garden! This is your orientation to get you started on the right foot and make sure you feel supported as you grow your garden.

Please read through the orientation completely and fill out the form at the end of this orientation with your name and email address and hit submit to complete your orientation process.

Introduction

In this orientation, you will go over:

A little bit about Parklab Community Garden
Finding your way around the garden
The main entrance and how to get into the garden
Storage container / tool shed and where to find soil, tools and seeds
Water access and how to turn water on and off
Compost and waste
How to find your garden bed
Pubic areas, classroom, and policies

About Parklab Community Garden.

The Garden was installed in August of 2017 with help from the San Francisco Conservation Corps. Located at Merrimac St & Mission Bay Blvd. North, Urban Sprouts @ Parklab Community Garden is a partnership between Mission Bay Development Group and Urban Sprouts that provides a dynamic urban green space dedicated to increasing the health and wellness of the Mission Bay community. The Garden offers fee-based memberships which allow access to a garden plot and just about everything a new or seasoned gardener needs to grow their own garden. The Garden features shade structures, gathering spaces, an outdoor workshop, tool shed and more. The Garden also hosts events and classes that are open to the public. We want this to be a place where everyone can gather in the community and feel welcome, safe and nourished.

Finding Your Way Around the Garden

Parklab Community Garden Map

Please use this garden map to help find your way around the garden.

Main Entrance

When you arrive at Urban Sprouts @ Parklab Community Garden, you will find the main gate entrance to the garden on Merrimac Street between Mission Bay Boulevard North and Mission Bay Boulevard South.

The main gate should always remain locked. Be sure to lock the gate behind you while on site and when leaving the garden.

Gate code change notifications will be posted next to or on the main gate and an email will be sent out before any code changes. Gate codes are updated quarterly to maintain site security.

Main Gate Combination Lock Instructions

To unlock the combination lock,

Set the combination to the code that was sent to your email. Make sure the numbers are lined up in the center.
Pull down on the lock to unlock.

Once unlocked, do not leave the combination lock unattended. Be sure place the lock back on the gate and lock the gate after you enter the garden.

To lock the combination lock;

Set the combination to the code provided.
Close the locking pin by pushing the pin back into the lock.
Scramble the code. This will secure the locking pin.

Note: ensure that the gate latch is down before securing the lock.

Tool Shed / Storage Container

All gardeners have access to the tool shed/ storage container. This is where you will find seeds for your garden bed, soil, and tools.

Please place all tools and equipment back in the storge container after use.
Safety: Please be cautious when using tools or working around the garden, especially if you’re new to gardening. If you’re unsure about how to use something or need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask.
Personal Tools: If you have specific tools that you prefer to use, feel free to bring them and store them in the storage container or in your garden bed. Just be sure to label them so they don’t get mixed up with the shared tools. You will find personal equipment/material storage space directly inside the storage container.
- Urban Sprouts @ Parklab Community Garden is not responsible for lost or stolen tools or items stored or left in the garden.

Unlocking the Tool Shed/ Storage Container

To unlock the combination lock on the storage container;

1. Set the combination to the code that was sent to your email.

2. Make sure the numbers are lined up in the center

3. Pull the locking pin out to unlock.

4. Remove the cable.

The storage container may stay unlocked while you are on site. You may leave the lock and cable hanging on the storage container door. Just be sure to lock the storage container before you leave the garden.

Free seeds and garden soil!!

We provide free seeds and garden soil for all gardeners to use when available located in the storage container. Please leave some for other gardeners.

Locking the Tool Shed/ Storage Container

To lock the storage container

Close the container door as much as possible.
Place the cable around both polls indicated in the picture to the right.
Place both ends of the cable on the locking pin.
Make sure the code is set.
Push the locking pin in to close the lock.
Scramble the code to secure the lock.

Water Access

The main water access is in the southeast corner of the garden behind the storage container.

The water should be shut off at the water access point to conserve water. Please be sure to shut off the water when you are finished gardening.

There are two hose lines attached to the main water access point. Please shut off both lines when not in use.

To turn water on, turn both tabs into the center and turn green wheel to the left.

To turn water off, turn both tabs out from the center and turn the green wheel to the right.

There are two water hoses at Parklab Community Garden for all gardeners to use.

To turn on the water, push the lever forward on the back of the nozzle.
To turn water off, push lever back.
- Be sure to turn the water off at the hose and the water access point before leaving the garden.

Compost and Plant Waste

At Parklab, we take pride in our sustainable practices and organic gardening principles. Here’s what we encourage all gardeners to follow:

Composting: We have a dedicated compost bin located in the northeast corner of the garden. Plant waste can be deposited in the pile next to this compost bin. Staff will handle the proscessing of plant waste material/compost.
- Please only deposit plant material in this pile. Waste, garbage and other refuse must be taken off site with you.

Waste and Recycling

We do not provide trash and recycling on site and we have a “pack it in, pack it” out policy. This means that all trash, garbage, waste or litter should be transported off site with you. Please do not leave plant containers or bowes, food waste or food/drinks containers, personal trash, diapers or any other garbage on site. However, you may use the receptacles at Spark Social food truck site next door.

Finding Your Garden Bed

Once you have completed this orientation, we will send you your plot number along with a map showing where your garden bed is located. All member garden beds are labeled A through F followed by 1 through 20. The letters are in order by row; however, the numbers are not. Please use this garden map and example as a reference to help you find your assigned garden bed(s).

Not all garden bed labels look the same. If you are having trouble finding your garden bed(s) or if the number is no longer visible please let us know.

Eco-Friendly Practices

Please refrain from using synthetic pesticides or chemicals in your garden bed(s). We aim to create a healthy ecosystem where beneficial insects and pollinators can thrive. If you have questions about natural pest control, feel free to ask!

Dog Policy

Due to health hazards created by dog excrement, along with safety concerns, pets are not allowed in the garden at any time, with the exception of registered service animals. This policy may change in the future.

Your Garden Plot & Responsibilities

You’ve been assigned a personal garden plot, and it’s now your space to cultivate! Here’s how to get started:

Plot Care: It’s important to take good care of your plot, which includes regular watering, weeding, and tending to your plants. Each plot is yours to manage, but please be mindful of your neighbors and the communal space around you. Be sure to maintain your plot at all times. This includes removing dead or overgrown plants, preventing standing water, taking away garbage and waste and monitoring for weeds, pests and other hazards.
In order to ensure everyone has enough space around their garden beds and to keep walkways clear, all gardeners are only allowed one row of pots in front of their assigned garden bed(s) not to exceed more than 12 inches out from the garden bed.

Shared Responsibilities: We all contribute to maintaining the garden, so be prepared to pitch in with communal tasks like cleaning up shared spaces.
Please keep all shared spaces clean, orderly and free of hazards.
Always return tools, equipment, hoses and other materials to their proper locations.
Refrain from relocating tables, chairs and benches.
If you are using the umbrellas located in the storage container, ensure that are closed and returned to the storage container when you leave the garden.
Help keep weeds and other hazards to a minimum. Gardeners are responsible for the keeping the spaces around their plots clean, weeded and free of debris.
Community Plots: The garden includes several community plots stationed in a varity of locations throughout the space. These plots are meant to serve as a communal spaces for members. If you would like to share plants, please reach out to parklab@urbansprouts.org and we will help identify a community plot where they can be planted and shared.
- Free Harvest: The plants growing in these plots are available for harvest. Look for signs that say “Community Plot/Harvest Me”. When harvesting from these plots, please be courteous and leave some for others.
- Urban Sprouts Only: The plants growing in these plots are reserved for Urban Sprouts projects and activities. Please do not remove anything from these plots.

Classroom

The Classroom is limited access for events, lessons, programs, and meetings. If you would like request access to the classroom for hosting an event or a class, please reach out to parklab@urbansprouts.org. Access is limited and not guranteed. Use of the classroom space is conditional and requires pre-approval.

Garden Community Engagement & Events

Being part of Parklab means you’re part of a community. Here are some ways to get involved:

Community Workdays: Throughout the year, we host workdays where all gardeners can come together to complete larger projects, maintain common areas, and learn new skills. These are a great way to meet fellow gardeners and contribute to the overall health of the garden.
Workshops & Events: We offer workshops on a variety of gardening topics, from organic gardening to pest control, composting, and more. We also hold social events, including potlucks and seasonal celebrations — perfect opportunities to connect with your fellow gardeners and share gardening tips!
Communication: Stay connected with the garden community through our newsletter and bulletin board in the garden. We encourage everyone to participate, share tips, and ask for advice.

Safety, Troubleshooting & Support

Your safety and well-being are important to us:

Safety: Please be cautious when using tools or working around the garden, especially if you’re new to gardening. If you’re unsure about how to use something or need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask.
Support: If you have any questions or need advice, our garden manager is always available to help. Additionally, there are many experienced gardeners who are happy to offer tips and support. Please reach out to parklab@urbansprouts.org.
Conflict Resolution: In the unlikely event that any issues arise with your plot or with fellow gardeners, please address them respectfully and directly. If you need help mediating a situation, we are here to assist.
Emergency Issues: In the event of an emergency, always call 911 or law enforcement/emergency medical response.

While we endeavor to make the Urban Sprouts @ Parklab community garden a safe, clean and cherished community space, occasional issues arise. The garden is not regularly staffed and it is incubent upon gardeners to help us maintain the space in a safe manner.

We’re so glad to have you as part of the Parklab Community Garden. If you have any questions or need any assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing us at parklab@urbansprouts.org. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

Happy gardening!

Please complete the form below if you have read and understood the orientation.