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Bismarck Community Gardens Plot Rentals

Bismarck Community Gardens

Bismarck Parks and Recreation District offers garden plots for rent at Bismarck Community Gardens. BPRD provides the land and water. Interested individuals and families plant their garden plots, keep the plots weed free, and enjoy their harvest.

Garden Plot Rental Locations

Hunger Free Gardens and Share Tables

BisParks Gardens supports Hunger Free Garden efforts and encourages participation by donation of excess produce and fruit to local community food pantries or food programs. In addition, two Community Share Tables are available at Tatley-Eagles Park for the gardening community to share seeds, plants, and produce with fellow gardeners and the public.

Organic and Sustainable Gardening

Organic and sustainable gardening is encouraged at all locations and defined as follows: the growing of plants with methods that can successfully sustain itself without requiring many outside resources, pesticides or herbicides. Sustainable gardening is always organic. A sustainable garden is grown using soil amendments such as compost or other organic matter by using plants and methods that work harmoniously together to minimize weed growth and provide a soil that is healthy enough to retain moisture and is rich in nutrients. Grass clippings, straw and fabric barriers are acceptable ground covers. Natural rather than chemical methods are used to adjust the pH and soil composition and provide nutrients.

2026 Season

Schedule

  • Thursday, January 29 – letters and use agreements will be mailed to returning gardeners
  • Thursday, March 5 – 5:00pm deadline for returning gardeners to submit use agreements and payment to secure garden plots for the season
  • Thursday, March 19 – open plots are available to those on the interest list and the public
  • Saturday, May 16 – gardens open for season, weather permitting
  • Sunday, June 7 – deadline for all garden plots to be planted
  • Sunday, October 11 – gardens close for the season (all plots must be cleared of plant materials, markers, decorations, fencing, stakes, etc.)

Fees

  • 10-foot by 10-foot plot: $15
  • 20-foot by 20-foot plot: $60 (only available at Missouri Valley Complex and Tatley-Eagles Park)

Garden Plots

Gardners may look up their assigned plots online as follows:

  • Log into your online account. Use “forgot your password” if you have never logged in before.
  • Under My Account > Payment and Order Management, select the Transaction and Payment History button.
  • Gardens and plots are listed under the Lockers/Plots Rental receipts.

BPRD will communicate any garden news to gardeners through email. Call 701-222-6455 with questions.

Interest List

Anyone who did not have a community garden plot in 2025 may call the BPRD office at 701-222-6455 to be placed on the interest list for 2026. Those on the list will be contacted by email in mid-March regarding availability of garden plots. New gardener registration forms and payment will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis starting March 18.

 2026 Use Agreement Language

Bismarck Parks and Recreation District manages garden plots at Elk Ridge Park, Horizon Park, Johnny Gisi Memorial Park, Missouri Valley Complex, Municipal Ballpark/Hannifin, and Tatley-Eagles Park. BPRD marks the plots and provides water and hoses, no other tools are provided.

Renting Plots

  1. I will pay a $15 fee per 10-foot by 10-foot plot or a $60 fee per 20-foot by 20-foot plot up to a maximum of four plots.
  2. I understand the gardens are not secured, and damage and theft are possible.
  3. I acknowledge that garden plots are for personal use only; commercial use is not allowed.
  4. If I must abandon my plot for any reason, I will notify BPRD at 701-222-6455.

 Planting Plots

  1. I will plant my garden by Sunday, June 7, 2026, or my plot may be released.
  2. I will only plant tall crops where they will not shade neighboring plots.

 Caring for Plots

  1. Organic/sustainable gardening is encouraged. Non-treated grass clippings, straw, and fabric barriers are acceptable ground covers.
  2. I will use fertilizers, insecticides, and other chemicals responsibly, so my use of chemicals does not affect other plots. I understand the application of non-natural herbicides (weed killers) and pesticides (rodent killers) is prohibited.
  3. I will keep weeds at a minimum height of 6 inches and help maintain the areas immediately surrounding my plot.
  4. I will keep trash and litter out of the plot, as well as adjacent pathways and fences. I understand that dumpsters are for garden debris only.
  5. I will not use unattended or self-timing watering systems.
  6. I will return the hoses to the hose reels when finished and keep hoses clear of grassed areas when mowing is in progress. I understand I may bring my own hoses.
  7. It is recommended that plots are cared for at least once a If my plot(s) is unattended for more than three weeks, I understand that it will be considered abandoned and subject to tilling or reassignment, and I may lose the privilege of renting in future years.

Respecting Plots

  1. It is recommended that dogs and other pets are not brought to the gardens. If brought to the garden, I will keep my pet(s) leashed at all times, out of neighboring plots, under my direct control, and always clean up after them. Service animals are permitted.
  2. I will only harvest my crops unless granted permission by another gardener.

 Clearing Plots

  1. I will participate in cleanup of my plot(s) by the end of day Sunday, October 11, 2026. I will clear my plot(s) of all plant materials, markers, decorations, fencing, and stakes. Any material remaining after the cleanup date will be discarded. I understand that if I do not clear my plot, I may lose the privilege of renting in future years.