Reflection of orange and yellow tree-line in the fall on the water

Parks & Recreation

Monadnock View Community Gardens

Community garden flyer cover page showing tilled garden beds ready for planting

We are thrilled to launch the first season of the Monadnock View Community Gardens in our relocated site, expanding opportunities to plant, harvest, and connect. Garden plot rental applications will be accepted at Keene Parks & Recreation beginning February 11, 2026.

Gardening Agreement and Responsibilities

We are excited to have you as part of our gardening community. In order to maintain a thriving, cooperative, and sustainable garden space, all participating parties must adhere to the following guidelines and responsibilities. The City of Keene/Parks & Recreation will not be liable for lost or damaged crops/garden plot contents.

Gardener:

  • Respects the plot/bed application and assignment process.
  • Begins gardening once plot(s)/bed rental payment is confirmed and after KPRD officially opens the space for gardening.
  • Maintains own rented plot/bed (weeding, planting, harvesting, season-end cleanup).
  • Cares for and is responsible for individual and shared equipment (tools, hoses, etc).
  • Waters garden(s) when physically present – including use of soaker hoses; shuts water off and disconnects hose when leaving the community space.
  • Refrains from installing semi-/permanent structures (cinder blocks, patio/play furniture) – exception: temporary fencing within boundaries of rented plot (animal deterrent).
  • Plants perennials solely in the available pollinator garden space, not individual plots; overwintering crops are permitted in no-till sections (additional fee) – no fruit trees, berry bushes, or creeping vines are allowed.
  • Understands that a fee of up to $100 may be assessed if plot is not cleaned prior to staff winterization of the space.
  • Parks motorized vehicles in provided parking area (refrains from driving to plot/bed).
  • Agrees to comply with direction from Keene Parks & Recreation to ensure use/access.
  • Reports misuse of surroundings to kprdinfo@keenenh.gov (written documentation).

City of Keene/KPRD:

  • Collects gardener information and related garden plot/bed rental fees.
  • Assigns and tracks garden plot/bed rental assignments each season.
  • Provides water/water access for the community space.
  • Prepares, mows, and winterizes garden spaces.

Important Restrictions

NO PESTICIDES, per NH Dept of Environmental Services & NH Dept of Agriculture, Markets, Food
NO ALCOHOL, per City Ordinance Chapter 6-27
NO DOGS, per City Ordinance Chapter 22 – Cemetery location of gardens

Plot Availability

  • Full Size Plots: 60 (20×20 = 400 square feet each)
  • Kitchen Plots: 26 (10×10 = 100 square feet each)
  • Raised Beds: 8 (10×4 = 40 square feet each)
  • Gardeners are limited to a maximum of two (2) plots for the inaugural growing season. Two-plot rentals will consist of side-by-side plots joined horizontally.
  • 4 full-size plots are reserved for the Giving Garden (labeled GG 1-4); free for the community to garden and give to local food security resources.
  • Raised beds are prioritized for gardeners with mobility needs. Raised bed rentals are limited to one (1) per gardener.
  • No-Till Section is highlighted in green (full plots 33-60; kitchen plots K1-K14)

Fee Structure

Financial assistance may be available for eligible participants. Please contact KPRD for more information.

May-October Growing Season

Full Size Plot: $50
Kitchen Plot: $25
Raised Bed: $40

Overwintering October-May

$25 per plot/bed

Payment Specifics

Gardeners will apply to be part of the Monadnock View Community Gardens. An invoice will be generated upon application approval; invoices must be paid prior to gardening. Payments can be made with cash, check (payable to the City of Keene), or credit/debit card.