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.)

    • 409 Full size plots, approx. 29' x 18'
    • 104 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.)

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

    • For regular plots the limit is two (2) per gardener.
    • Starting in May 2025, the limit on No-Till/Year-Round plots will be 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.

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

    Except for dates when the garden plots are closed or have limited access, you may garden in your plot, seven days a week, between sunrise and one hour after sunset.

    Certain events that take place downtown, such as races/runs, may require closing of the garden plots.   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 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.
    â–ª Full-sized plots are identified by one number plus one letter.
    â–ª Half-plots are identified by one number plus two letters.
    â–ª Raised plots are identified by one number plus one or two letters

    Yes, there are 4 ADA accessible port-o-lets onsite. See the Garden Plot map for locations. (Look for the “P” within a square.)

    • 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.
    • 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, a local farmer, and the park district, tills the soil each fall and spring. However, you may want to till your plot again before you plant.
    • Starting in 2025, a section of the garden plots will no longer be tilled by the farmer or park district staff.

    Yes, you may use a rototiller or hire someone to till for you.  

    • We plan to begin offering no-till, year-round plots in May 2025.
    • No-till, year-round plots will be limited to one (1) per gardener.
    • There will be additional rules for this no-till, year-round area.