Being outdoors greatly reduces the risk of transmitting COVID-19. This means that with the proper rules and safety mechanisms, the garden is an excellent resource for the community. Make sure to stay updated on the latest COVID-19 resources for the garden so you can keep your garden growing while keeping vulnerable populations safe.

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Who should be in the garden? (Source: University of Maine Cooperative Extension)​

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• It is highly recommended that all at-risk individuals (65+ years of age and/or with underlying health conditions) take the season off from community gardening. 

• It is highly recommended that individuals who don’t rely on the produce they grow in their plot as their primary food source take the season off from community gardening. 

• Require all gardeners who are sick or may have come in contact with COVID-19 to self-quarantine.

• Set a maximum number of community gardeners who can be in the space at the same time; this number should be based first on the size of the garden and then on the number of plot holders.

• Mark off 6-foot intervals in naturally congested areas of the garden such as water sources, compost pile garden gates, etc.

• Discourage bringing children or the whole family to the garden at once. Unlike in other years, the garden should not become a gathering place.

• The general public should not enter the garden at any time (post signs at every entrance).

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What changes should be done in the actual garden? (Source: University of Maine Cooperative Extension)​

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• Close the garden shed and cut off access to shared tools until further notice. Have gardeners bring their own tools.

• If gardeners do not have their own tools, allow them to borrow tools for the entire season. They need to bring and take them home each time they leave the garden.

• Set up a handwashing station and encourage all gardeners to wash their hands upon their arrival and departure. Provide a disinfectant solution that can be safely stored outside.

• Require all gardeners to disinfect anything they touch before and after use especially gates, wheelbarrow, mowers, or other large tools.

• Consider solarizing, cover cropping, or other different uses of parts of the garden to build soil resources for later in the season.

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CDC Recommendations for Cleaning Outdoor Surfaces:​

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• Outdoor areas, like playgrounds in schools and parks generally require normal routine cleaning, but do not require disinfection.

  • Do not spray disinfectant on outdoor playgrounds—it is not an efficient use of supplies and is not proven to reduce risk of COVID-19 to the public.

  • High touch surfaces made of plastic or metal, such as grab bars and railings should be cleaned routinely.

  • Cleaning and disinfection of wooden surfaces (play structures, benches, tables) or groundcovers (mulch, sand) is not recommended.

• Sidewalks and roads should not be disinfected.

  • Spread of COVID-19 from these surfaces is very low and disinfection is not effective.”

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For more information, click the CDC link here. 

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