{"id":20739,"date":"2025-12-04T10:05:55","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T18:05:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/mason\/?page_id=20739"},"modified":"2026-08-31T13:17:38","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T20:17:38","slug":"catalyst-park-community-garden-background-information-and-rules","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/mason\/master-gardener\/catalyst-park-community-garden-background-information-and-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"Catalyst Park Community Garden Background Information and Rules"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--single\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/63\/2025\/06\/MG-flower-198x198.png\" alt=\"&quot; &quot;\" class=\"wp-image-19672\" width=\"99\" height=\"99\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/63\/2025\/06\/MG-flower-198x198.png 198w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/63\/2025\/06\/MG-flower-396x396.png 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/63\/2025\/06\/MG-flower-792x792.png 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/63\/2025\/06\/MG-flower-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/63\/2025\/06\/MG-flower-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/63\/2025\/06\/MG-flower-2048x2048.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 99px) 100vw, 99px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Catalyst Park Community Garden Background Information and Rules<\/h1>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--single\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About Catalyst Park Community Garden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta \" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/mason\/master-gardener\/contact-us\/\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button \">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tContact the Program Coordinator\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vision:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our vision is that the Catalyst Park Community Garden will serve as a welcoming outdoor community space where members can educate each other, feel respected and valued by the community, and experience the many mental and physical health benefits of gardening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mission:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our mission is to strengthen our community by creating a safe space where Mason County residents can join together to learn about sustainable gardening, water conservation, pollinator habitat, and nutritious food choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Role:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Serve as mentors for community gardeners, helping them grow produce using sustainable and organic gardening methods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promote the sharing of research-based, sustainable gardening knowledge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourage community gardeners to set and achieve their goals in a way that is safe and respectful for everyone participating in the space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide a space for community gardeners to deepen their connections with the land and their community.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure the space is of equal opportunity and non-discrimination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Background Information on Catalyst Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2009, two local residents (Mary Ann Murray and B.J. Beatty) donated a parcel of land to the City of Shelton with the understanding that it would be put to use as a park, community garden, and food bank garden. Mary Ann and B.J. proposed the name Catalyst Park in the hope that it would serve as a catalyst for change in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shelton Kiwanis joined with representatives from the City of Shelton, WSU Extension, the WSU Master Gardeners, local service groups including the Mason County Optimists and the Rotary Club, and concerned citizens. These groups formed a committee with a mission to support community education through the establishment of a food bank garden, demonstration gardens, and community garden. Every year, approximately 2000 pounds of fresh, organically produced food is donated to Saints\u2019 Pantry from the food bank garden area. The park is supported through the WSU Extension Mason County Master Gardener Program and the City of Shelton, and funded by the Master Gardener Foundation of Mason County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Community Garden Workshops<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to fulfill our mission and promote a community atmosphere where gardeners can get to know each other by working together, WSU Master Gardeners host community gardener educational workshops once a month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These workshops are free for Catalyst Park Community Garden participants and cost $15 per person to members of the public. A workshop schedule will be provided via email to all community gardeners at the beginning of each year. Even if you are a very experienced gardener, we encourage you to attend these workshops as you may be able to help others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Catalyst Park Community Garden Rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Orientation:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is mandatory that all new community gardeners attend the Orientation Session at the beginning of the season (participants will be notified of exact date and time). Your garden bed may be forfeited if you do not attend. <em>Accommodations can be made if you notify the Community Garden Lead beforehand.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>New community gardeners must begin work on their garden plot within one month of attending the Orientation Session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Communication:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important for the health of the community garden that we communicate with each other to ensure that we are on task, following through with our responsibilities to the garden, and resolving problems as they arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We want the garden to be everyone\u2019s garden; for everyone to have ownership of their plot, to feel comfortable expressing opinions and concerns, and to be a part of our gardening community. For this reason, all community gardeners are expected to communicate regularly with the Community Garden Lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If for any reason you need to give up your garden bed during the growing season, please contact the Community Garden Lead so that the bed can be offered to someone else or used to grow food for the food bank.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hours:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dawn to dusk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Garden Access:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All gardeners listed on the application will be provided with the necessary lock combinations for gates and storage sheds. These combinations are not to be given to anyone else. If you experience difficulty with the locks, immediately contact the Community Garden Lead or the Program Coordinator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Security:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We want to keep Catalyst Park safe for everyone. This means respecting the security of our water, tools, garden plots, and people. Gardeners should check that locks are secured and locked if they are the last one at the park, regardless of the time of day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you experience any difficulty with the locks, please contact either the Community Garden Coordinator or the Master Gardener Program Coordinator right away. If you are at the garden and there are people present who are making you feel unsafe, please call the City of Shelton Non-Emergency Line at (360) 426-4441. If you are at the garden and there is an emergency, please call 911. After contacting the appropriate assistance, please notify the WSU Extension Office at (360) 427-9670 ext. 680.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pets:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Well-mannered, leashed, fully supervised dogs are allowed within your own garden space, unless complaints are received. Please scoop and remove feces. Follow WA rules on scooping animal feces and managing your pets (WAC 332-52-140). Do not allow dogs to enter other areas of the fenced garden. If you are found out of compliance, your community garden bed will be forfeited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alcohol and Drugs:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and recreational drugs are prohibited at Catalyst Park; no smoking of any kind including e-cigarettes and cannabis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Children and Guests:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Guests are welcome in the garden if accompanied by a community gardener. Children are also welcome as gardening is a wonderful family activity! However, please directly supervise and be responsible for your children while working in the garden; do not allow them to roam unsupervised outside of your garden plot. <em>All guests and children must have a signed liability waiver on file. Liability waivers are available in the tool shed (blue shed).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chemical-Free:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Catalyst Park is a synthetic chemical-free space, except where it may be determined by WSU Master Gardeners and the City of Shelton as absolutely necessary for maintenance. Do not use synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides in your garden plot. If you have questions about what is considered safe or organic, please check with the Community Garden Lead. If you see a gardener using synthetic products in their space and do not feel comfortable talking to them, contact the Community Garden Lead (your identity will be kept anonymous).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Harvest:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Produce is intended for home use; do not sell or use garden produce for profit. Unless invited, do not harvest from others\u2019 beds or from the food bank garden beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If WSU Master Gardener volunteers notice ripe produce in community garden beds that is not being harvested, you will be notified and given five days to pick your produce. If produce is not picked within five days of notification, that produce will be harvested by WSU Master Gardeners and donated to the food bank. If your garden produces more than your needs, you are encouraged to contribute the excess to other community members or the food bank. If you would like to donate to the food bank, contact the Community Garden Lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maintenance:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All community gardeners are expected to maintain the area in their garden bed and within a 2-foot perimeter surrounding their bed. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Tending, harvesting, and weeding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keeping your garden free of overripe, rotting, and spoiled fruits and vegetables.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keeping pathways in a 2-foot perimeter of your bed free of weeds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keeping your crops trimmed out of all pathways; plants extending into pathways will be cut or tied back.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not allowing weeds to go to seed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You must clear your summer garden bed by October 31st. All continuing participants who plan to winter garden must complete a new Catalyst Park Community Garden Bed Application by January 15th for that year and pay any required fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Allowable Plants:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Annual vegetables, flowers, and herbs. No perennial vegetables or flowers (asparagus, rhubarb, etc.) or trees, shrubs, cannabis, or plants that may become weedy (mint, lemon balm, etc.) If you need help determining if a plant is an annual or perennial, or are unsure if a plant may cause a problem, contact the Community Garden Lead or our <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/mason\/master-gardener\/educational-outreach\/ask-a-master-gardener\/\" target=\"_blank\">Ask a Master Gardener (<em>opens new tab<\/em>)<\/a> service (<a href=\"mailto:masonmastergardener@gmail.com\">masonmastergardener@gmail.com<\/a> or 360-427-9670 ext. 687). If weedy plants in your bed are identified, you will be notified and given seven days to remove the plant. If it is not removed within seven days, we will remove it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not install large trellising or structures that will shade other community garden plots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Water Use Guidelines:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The automatic irrigation system is programmed and managed by the Community Garden Lead. It is your responsibility to help monitor your bed for leaks or other damage. If you feel your bed is not getting enough water or have other concerns, contact the Community Garden Lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hoses for additional hand-watering are available in the community garden space. If you are using a hose or watering can, please see our \u2018Water Conservation Tips\u2019 at the end of this document to ensure we continue to conserve water and protect our natural resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tools:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Community gardeners are provided access to tools in one of the storage sheds. The Community Garden Lead will provide the lock code at the Orientation Session. <em>Please clean and return tools to their designated location within the shed (blue shed).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soil Amendments and Compost:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Community gardeners have access to raised bed soil and mulch. You may purchase other non-synthetic, organic fertilizers for use in your bed. If you have questions about what is considered non-synthetic, ask the Community Garden Lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dispose of all weeds and removed plants in accordance with the directions of the Community Garden Lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Secondary Beds:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Returning community gardeners can request to rent a second community garden bed at cost. Secondary beds are not available for overwintering; requests are only fulfilled if there are still beds available after all new and returning gardeners have been provided with one bed. Secondary bed requests are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis; if fulfilled, you will not gain access to your secondary bed until March. If there are still beds remaining after all returning community gardeners have been granted their secondary beds, secondary beds may be offered to new community gardeners at cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Master Gardener Participants:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the <em>Washington State University Master Gardener Program Handbook: Statewide Policies and Procedures for Program Coordinators and Volunteer Leaders<\/em>, WSU Mason County Master Gardeners may collectively maintain one bed as a demonstration area for community garden participants. Only WSU Master Gardener Trainees and Interns, and members of the public, may rent community garden beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Catalyst Park Food Bank Garden:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our mission is to build a stronger community through gardening education and helping others. You are invited to join WSU Master Gardener volunteers in caring for the food bank garden where you can learn about methods for planting, sowing seeds, and maintaining your garden. Weekly volunteer work parties occur on Tuesday mornings, typically from 9am-12pm (weather permitting). Please bring gardening gloves; all other tools will be provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Water Conservation Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While our automatic irrigation system reduces the need for you to water, you may need to give newly planted starts or seeds additional water. Please adhere to the following guidelines when using a hose or watering can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Dig a small moat or trench in a circle around the plant start.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water each plant individually and close to the roots.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water deeply and near the roots and seeds, rather than lightly and broadly across plants and the entire ground\/soil surface. Watering thoroughly and less often encourages roots to seek water and nutrients deep in the soil. With an extensive, deep root system, plants are better able to withstand dry periods. When watering, soak the soil to a depth of at least 6 to 8 inches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Know how much water each plant needs. Some are more drought-tolerant (squash, tomatoes) while others need more water (beans, salad greens).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dig with a trowel to the root depth, squeeze a handful of soil; if it sticks together it does not need to be watered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water in the early morning (preferable) or evening, not the hottest part of the day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep your plots weeded. Weeds steal moisture from desirable plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Overwatering.<\/strong> Check plants for moisture before watering. If the leaves turn yellow and drop, you could be overwatering. Over-watering can cause just as much damage to the plants as under-watering. Vegetables like moisture, but over-watering is harmful. Over-watering prevents the roots from getting air.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Under-watering.<\/strong> If your plants look wilted on a hot summer afternoon, that&#8217;s normal. They will usually perk up overnight. If plants are wilted in the morning, don&#8217;t wait\u2014water. Look for clues such as curling leaves, a grayish color and permanent wilting, which indicate underwatering.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":259,"featured_media":0,"parent":17230,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_wsuwp_accessibility_report":null},"categories":[57],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/mason\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20739"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/mason\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/mason\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/mason\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/259"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/mason\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20739"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/mason\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20739\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20746,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/mason\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20739\/revisions\/20746"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/mason\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/17230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/mason\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20739"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/mason\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20739"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/mason\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20739"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}