Savage Community Gardens

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The garden for everyone

Sponsored by Scott County Public Health and the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP).

Grow your own vegetables and flowers while cultivating a sense of community in our community gardens!

Savage Parks and Recreation offers a community garden program at Warren Butler Park, 12800 Ottawa Ave., and at River Bend Park, 14347 Joppa Ave., Savage. Registration information listed below. Plots will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.

General information:

1 plot per household
Garden plots are 10’ X 15'
Not responsible for loss or stolen items
Cost is $45 per plot (residents); $55 per plot (non-residents)
The 2024 season will be mid-May – October 20 (weather dependent)
The City will till the plots before the season-opener, stake out and number each garden plot, and mow around garden plots
Access to water will be provided; hose hook-ups are not available

Savage Community Garden Guidelines
Warren Butler Park Garden Plot s
River Bend Park Garden Plots

Key Dates:

March 5: Registration begins for residents
March 7: Registration begins for non-residents
April 14: No refunds after this date
Mid-May: Gardens open (weather permitting)
June 14: Gardens must be planted; any unplanted gardens will be offered to gardeners on a waitlist
October 20: End of 2024 season. Garden sites must be cleared of all structures and manmade materials

Registration

Registration begins March 5(residents) and March 7(non-residents). Plots will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Online: Register Now >
NOTE: If you are new to Savage Recreation or if you have not registered with us before, you will need to set up an account prior to registering.

In-Person
Stop into the Parks and Recreation office at Public Works, 13770 Dakota Ave. Monday -Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Questions can be directed to Recreation Services Manager Chris Dill at cdill@cityofsavage.com or call the Parks and Recreation office at 952-224-3420.

FAQs

Can I hook a hose up to the watering source?

On-site water tanks will be available to all gardeners. Gardeners must use watering containers; hoses are not available and may not be hooked up to the water tanks.
Can I leave my gardening tools unattended at the Community Gardens?

Garden tools may not be left unattended. Please plan to transport your garden tools with you for each visit to work on your garden.
Can I park my vehicle on the grass next to my garden plot?

No. Vehicles must remain parked in the designated parking lot.
How much time should I expect to dedicate to my garden plot?

Depending on what you plant, the average is one to two hours per week with more time spent during the planting and growing seasons. Be efficient and weed while you water.
Weeds are a fact of life.

Plots must be kept free of weeds. Weeds are considered to be out of control if they are greater than 6 inches in height, flowering, or going to seed. Use cultivation or mulches to control weeds, not pesticides or weed killers.
What can I do to keep rabbits or other animals out of my garden?

Gardeners can use fencing to delineate and protect their garden and keep rabbits from damaging their plants. However, fencing should not extend beyond your designated plot boundaries, or it may be removed.
When is fall harvest and clean up required?
By fourth Sunday of October of the current year, fall clean up should be complete, this includes:
- Harvesting
- Pathway clean up
- Removing dead plants
- Weeding, planting, and edging weeds along borders
- Removal of fencing, plant stakes, tomato supports, or plastic mulch
When should I start spring preparation and planting?
By June, your garden should be in the getting-started stage. Some getting started activities are:
- Pathway clean-up
- Weeding, planting, and edging weeds along borders
- Working the soil in preparation for planting
Why is organic gardening required?

Organic gardening focuses on building healthy soil that can sustain healthy plants. Organic gardening encourages the natural balance between living organisms in the soil. It is also safer for pollinators, wildlife, pets, and humans.

More FAQs