The Riverdale Community Garden was designed by the Sustainable Riverdale Green Team in partnership with local scouts Gina Oswald and Matthew Soto, and funded by a $20,000 grant awarded in 2021 through Sustainable Jersey and the PSE&G Foundation. The design was for the garden to be utilized by residents of all ages and abilities, so that both small children can utilize standard raised garden beds as well as the elderly or disabled who have mobility needs will have beds available custom built for their use and with a level concrete pad to walk or use a wheelchair or walker on.

This garden incorporates the design for standard 4' x 8' plots, plus custom designed ADA plots that will allow for wheelchairs or seated walkers to be used while gardening, and shared salad tables.  The garden is located at the Borough of Riverdale Senior Community Center, 57 Loy Avenue, Riverdale, N.J. 07457.  Donations will be provided to local food pantries.  Plot renters that donate will receive a discount on the following year’s registration fee.

Membership Information:

There is annual fee of $50.00 per plot, ADA or full size. The fees help sustain the garden, and fund any repairs needed to the infrastructure.

Registration:

2023 Plot applications are now available. Drop off or mail to Borough of Riverdale, Attn: Michael Carelli, 91 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, N.J. 07457. Business hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. if you wish to drop off. Click Here for Application.

Benefits:

The Riverdale Community Garden provides many amenities which include:

• Full sun all day long for most plots;
• Garden beds are constructed of cedar for longevity of construction and to keep away bugs.
• No fertilizers or pesticides will be allowed to be used at the garden.
• Deer and animal-resistant fencing around the entire garden;
• Water available on site;
• 8' x 4'; plots, or five 6' x 3' Senior Citizen friendly ADA accessible raised plots;
• ADA Picnic table;
• ADA accessible entrance;
• 100% all-organic gardening methods are required of all garden members;
• One (1) on-site composting bin - see below guidelines;
• Locked storage shed available for garden member use;
• Community events and gardening classes will be available throughout the season;
• Gardeners are encouraged to donate food to the food bank for a $10 discount on membership the following year.

As part of the plot agreement, all gardeners must maintain their plots and are encouraged to volunteer at clean-up days held by the Borough throughout the growing season.

Composting Rules:

Please only deposit organic matter that can be composted:

• Plants and weeds that have not gone to seed.
• Root balls that have had the soil shaken loose.
• Fruits and vegetables may be added to the compost, however they must be covered with a layer of grass and/or leaves.

Items that should not be composted include:

• Diseased plants.
• Plastic plant tags, plastic containers, plastic bags or other inorganic material.
• Meats, cheeses, animal waste, and other materials not from the garden.

The Borough of Riverdale Community Garden is funded by Sustainable Jersey and the PSE&G Foundation.