Ron Ory Community Garden Plots FAQs

    • No, during the growing season only garden plot gardeners, who have rented and paid for a plot, may pick/collect their own produce, flowers and seeds. Violators will be ticketed.
    • Once the garden plots close for the season, access is not permitted and trespassers will be ticketed.
      (Leftover produce is collected at the end of each growing season and donated to Loaves & Fishes, a local food pantry.)
    • Seasonal Plots, May - Oct (tilled)
      • 324 Full size plots, approx. 29' x 18'
      • 84 Half size plots, approx. 14.5' x 18'
      • 12 Raised plots, approx. 4' x 20' (Use of a raised garden plot requires a doctor's note)
    • Year-Round Plots, May - April (untilled)
      • 82 Full size plots, approx. 29' x 18'
      • 6 Half size plots, approx. 14.5' x 18'

    Although the year-round section will no longer be plowed/tilled after the Spring 2025 plow, years of leg work went into creating this Year-Round plot area. Set up will require new signage and established boundaries, maintenance items will still be required, and this section must now be monitored year-round by staff for issues, like weeds and tidiness. Plus for gardeners, they get 5 more months in which to garden!

    • For regular plots the limit is two (2) per gardener.
    • The limit on Year-Round plots is one (1) per gardener.

    Yes, for anyone that is 60 years or older

    Yes, we do. The far west end of the Community Garden Plots is designated for organic gardening.  Over 40 plots are available in the organic section. (There are no Year-Round organic plots).

    No, we do not. Please visit the Park District's Garden Plot webpage for fees.

    • Except for dates when the garden plots are closed for city events, you may garden in your plot, seven days a week, between sunrise and one hour after sunset.
    • Please note that Site Improvement Constructions beginning Sept 2, 2025. This will impact parking, plot access and the front water spigots will be turned off during construction.

    Certain events that take place downtown, such as races/runs, may require closing of the garden plots due to the use of West St.  Other events, such as a parade, limit entry into the garden plots due to the parade routes.

    Yes, but you will need to visit the garden plots before or after the closed time period:

      • Check the City of Naperville's race and parade route maps beforehand as well.

         

    • Each plot is identified by a white, painted wooden stake in the center of the plot. These stakes have the plot number/letter(s) on them. A flag is placed at the corner of each plot. These flags are shared by adjoining plots.
      - Full-sized plots are identified by one number plus one letter.
      - Half-plots are identified by number and plus two letters.
      - Raised plots are identified by one number plus one or two letters
    • Please refer to the Garden Plots Rules & Regulations brochure for a photo showing the boundaries.
    • From May - Oct, there will be 4 ADA accessible port-o-lets onsite.
      • See the Garden Plot map for locations. (Look for the “P” within a square.)
    • These port-o-lets will be removed after the Seasonal plots close.
    • You may park in the parking lot near West Street.*
    • Or if you want to be closer to your plot you may park along the interior roads, but only on the designated side (look for the signs).
    • Parking next to plots, and/or in the grassy areas, is not permitted.

    *Please note that beginning Sept. 2, 2025 the front parking lot will be closed for construction.

    • Yes, once you register you will be provided with a Garden Plots Parking Permit.
    • The parking permit must be displayed on your car's dash or hang it from the rear view mirror every
      time you visit your garden.

    No, your Garden plot parking permit is only for tending to your garden.  

    • Yes, the seasonal plots are tilled. A local farmer, and the park district, tills the soil each fall and spring. However, you may still need to till your plot again before you plant.
    • After the Spring 2025 plow, the plots in the Year-Round section will no longer be tilled but gardeners are welcome to do so.

    Yes, you may use a rototiller or hire someone to till for you, even in the Year-Round plots section. 

    • If you miss Priority Registration (February) you will have to wait until Open Registration begins in mid-March to rent a plot. We do not “hold” plots for Priority Registration gardeners.