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Honolulu Recreational Community Gardening Program
FAQs for the general public
What is the Honolulu Recreational Community Garden Program (HRCGP)?
The HRCGP was started in 1975 with the intent of providing citizens with access to participation in gardening, especially those who would not otherwise have access to the soil, and to serve community members whose recreational needs are not met by athletic, craft, and other traditional park facilities and activities. The program has since grown to include 11 community gardens with over 1200 plots. Learn more about us, our mission and vision, on our home page.
How can I join a community garden? Am I eligible?
Any resident of O‘ahu, 18 years old or older, whose household does not already have a community garden plot, is eligible to apply (Part I 1.3b, p. 2). Applications are considered on a first-come first-served basis, or on a numerical basis if there is a waitlist. To apply for a community garden plot, go to the How to sign up page.
What are the garden fees?
Garden members are required to pay the City and County water fee which is currently 10 cents per square foot per year. Gardens might also collect a user fee to purchase shared tools, garden materials, etc. User fee amount varies by garden and can be found on the garden list (IVb, p. 10).
What kind of commitment is required if I am assigned a plot?
As soon as you are assigned a plot, the gardener is expected to start gardening right away and continue intensive recreational use of the plot (Part I 1.4d, p. 3). Additionally, each gardener must attend at least four monthly community garden organization meetings per year (IIb, p. 8). They must also attend at least two garden cleanups per year (IVa, p. 10).
Can I volunteer in a community garden?
All gardens host cleanup days for maintenance of the shared spaces in the garden. Contact the individual garden organizations to know when these events are occurring and if they are in need of volunteers.
May I bring my household compost to your compost pile?
Some community gardens have a compost bin, but may have specific rules about what can be added. Contact the individual garden organizations to know if and how to donate your household compost.
FAQs for current garden members
Are there any restrictions to what I can plant in my plot?
Yes. Invasive plants or noxious weeds (designed by the State of Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council) are not permitted (1.3l p.24). To control mosquitos, plants that grow in standing water are not permitted (State DOH Law §11-26-22). To conserve water, plants that require excessive watering (such as bananas, wetland taro, watercress, and lotus) are also not allowed (Part 1 1.3f, p. 2). Trees are prohibited, and plants overall cannot exceed 5 feet (CCH DPR Memo dated 8/13/21). Remember that community gardens are shared spaces and what you plant or build in your plot can affect those around you. These limitations are here to ensure that everyone has access to sun and to a safe, enjoyable gardening experience.
Do these restrictions apply to common areas?
Yes…and more! Common areas are shared spaces between plots that should be kept free of plantings. This is important for when a City vehicle needs to access a plot or the perimeter of the garden to remove or prune a tree, for example (CCH DPR Memo dated 8/13/21). Common areas that do not require access can focus on planting drought-tolerant, non-invasive, low-maintenance plants. The common area boundaries must be approved by the Community Garden Coordinator.
What is a co-gardener? How do I become one?
Co-gardeners are gardeners that share a plot and who do not live in the same household. A co-gardener must apply at the time of the original application (Part 1 1.3c, p. 2). In the event that the primary gardener leaves the assigned plot, the remaining co-gardener may NOT retain the plot. If both of the original co-gardeners leave, the plot will be re-assigned. If a primary gardener would like to list a co-gardener at a separate time, that co-gardener must follow regular procedure for plot application. When they reach the head of the waiting list, they name may be added to the original application if it is agreeable to the primary gardener. Co-gardeners are different than “helpers”, which are temporary aids in the event of an emergency.
What’s the process for getting mulch for our garden?
In order to prevent the spread of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), there is a specific process to get mulch for your garden. CRBs are a threat to our palm species and can spread with the movement of infested breeding material. Mulch included! A pile of mulch is the perfect place for CRB to breed, and so we ask that community garden officers organize mulch drop-off and distribution with garden members and with the Community Garden Coordinator within the same couple of days.
Do I have to go through the City to get mulch?
For individuals purchasing small amounts of mulch for their plots, you do not have to organize with others, but you do have to acquire mulch from safe sources such as Hawaii Earth Products and Island Topsoil.
For large amounts of mulch, the best way to protect our palms is to coordinate efforts. Remember, non-City vehicles cannot drive on City property! Plus, trees that neighbor community gardens that need pruning can become mulch for the garden members, and our City maintenance team can help with that. This is a resource for gardeners and it should be used! Contact the Community Garden Coordinator if you would like a large mulch delivery to your garden.
Visit https://www.crbhawaii.org/ for more information on how to help prevent the spread of CRB.
Are dogs allowed at the gardens?
For health and safety reasons, dogs and other animals are not allowed in any of the community gardens, except for service animals. “Service animal” means any animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability (§347-2.5 HRS).
What if I can’t tend to my garden?
If a gardener is sick or on vacation, they should notify the president of their garden in writing and/or email to avoid misunderstandings. In the case of extended illness, incapacitation, or personal hardship, a helper should be appointed and their name and contact information added temporarily to the plot application.
What do I do if I encounter a security issue?
If it is an emergency situation or you feel unsafe, please get to a safe place and immediately call 911.
If it is a non-emergency situation, please call the Community Garden Coordinator at (808) 768 7138. You could also submit a 311 report via the app or by calling 311. Please note that it is important to have verified information with your report. Photos are helpful, as well.
If you don’t see your question answered here, click HERE to access the Rules and Regulations. If you are still unsure, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information!