Returning Gardener Registration

January 26 – February 20, 2026

• Returning gardeners in good standing can reclaim their plot starting Monday, February 26 at 12:00 PM.
• Registration and payment must be completed by Friday, February 20 at 12:00 PM (online or in-person).
• Plots not claimed by Friday, February 20 at 12:00 PM will be considered unclaimed and offered to new gardeners.

New Gardener Registration

• If all plots are filled, you may add yourself to the waitlist.
• If a plot becomes available, we will contact you using the email and phone number on your RecDesk account.
• Register for a garden plot:  Register Here (Registration will be available 3/9 at 12 pm)
• Register for a Garden Plot How-To-Guide (PDF)

2026 Garden Fees

All garden fees are non-refundable.

Garden Plot Bundle (Included with your fee)

• Garden plot
• Water
• 2 hay bales
• Compost
• Shared tools
• Resources and support from the Bock Community Garden Committee

Plot Fee Reduction Available

Qualified gardeners (residents only) may be eligible for a reduced plot fee of $30.
All applications must be submitted and approved before plot registration.

Your Community Work Requirement

• Each gardener must complete 8 hours of community work per plot.
• Scheduling and recording of hours will occur through the Timecounts online portal. The BCG Committee will email this information to you.
• There will be opportunities for 2-hour work groups (sign up for 4 total), as well as some lighter-duty 1-hour options.
• Accommodations may be possible with Garden Committee approval.
• All gardeners must complete the online "2026 Orientation and Best Practices" and follow-up questions.
• New gardeners will receive plot assignments and Garden orientation on May 2nd, at 10:00 am.

Where to Find the Calendar and Sign-Ups

Detailed rules, the 2026 calendar, and work session sign-ups are published in the monthly BCG newsletter (April–October).

• Gardening Tips: Practical advice on organic gardening, weed control, and composting.
• Disease Management: Guidance on identifying and managing common garden pests and diseases.
• Tools and Supplies: Shared tools are available for use during community workdays.

Controlling Your Weeds

Effective weed control includes cultivating with a hoe, hand-pulling weeds, and using thick mulch to prevent growth. It is especially important to remove weeds before they go to seed, as a single plant can produce thousands of seeds.

Even with good practices, weeds can still spread through the air, water, birds, or contaminated soil and tools. Regular attention throughout the growing season helps prevent small weed problems from becoming overwhelming. Keeping weeds under control allows garden plants to access more light and nutrients and naturally suppresses future weed growth.

Composting Resources

Dane County offers affordable, nutrient-rich compost made from fall leaf curbside pickup. While it may contain a small amount of weed seed, it is well-suited for improving depleted soils, such as those at the Bock Community Garden.

Compost restores organic matter, improves soil structure, allows air and moisture to better penetrate the soil, and supports proper drainage. It naturally supplies essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and important micronutrients, which are often missing from commercial fertilizers.

As a slow-release fertilizer, compost continues to enrich the soil over time and attracts beneficial organisms, such as earthworms. Compost-treated soil supports healthier plants, reduces pest and disease pressure, and helps balance soil pH for better nutrient absorption.

Disease Management

• Maintain plant health: Provide adequate water and nutrients to keep plants strong.
• Prevent moisture issues: Avoid wetting plant leaves, or water early in the day so foliage can dry before nightfall.
• Improve air circulation: Keep plants such as tomatoes off bare soil by mulching, staking, caging, or tying them up.
• Control weeds and remove diseased plants: Remove weeds that harbor disease and dispose of diseased plants in sealed bags.
• Practice good garden hygiene: Clean shared tools after use and harvest produce as it ripens to reduce pests and disease.

• Children’s Garden: A dedicated space where kids learn about gardening and the environment through hands-on activities.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborations with local organizations that promote sustainability, education, and community involvement.
• Food Donations: Surplus produce is donated to Way Forward Food Pantry to help support neighbors in need.

Leadership Team

• bockgarden@gmail.com
• Co-Chair — Committee & Meetings: Nancy
• Co-Chair — Garden Operations: Christine
• Garden Manager — Grounds: David

Middleton Parks & Recreation Department