Denver Urban Gardens (DUG), of which Rose Roots Community Garden is a member, understands that gardening can be a stress-relieving and even immune-system-boosting activity. They recommend going to our gardens, but ask that everyone follow the CDC and CDPHE guidelines around distancing and social precautions for COVID-19 to flatten the curve.
Wash your hands BEFORE and AFTER you go to the garden.
If you have sanitizing wipes, bring them with you. If not, carry a ziplock bag with very soapy, warm water and a washcloth.
Use your sleeves, or wear disposable gloves to open the gate and shed locks. Wash down the gate handle and lock after opening and closing.
Bring tools from home and only share them with people you live with.
If you must use tools from the shed, thoroughly clean the handles with your sanitizing wipes or your soapy washcloth before and after you use them. Wash your cloth and make a new soap solution in a new bag when you get home.
Stay 6 feet away from others in the garden. Smile and wave instead of physical contact.
Know that your work in the garden is improving your health and the health of your community.
Look at the sky and breathe deeply!
If you are planning a workday:
As always, only order the amount of compost you need (see DUG guidelines HERE.
Be sure that 10 or fewer gardeners are in the garden together at any one time. If needed, break the workday into two or more days.
Wash your hands before you come to the work day and if you have disposable gloves, use them or bring you own.
Have one designated person per tool, including wheelbarrows. Do not trade. Thoroughly clean the handles before and after use.
Share the compost and deliver some to everyone’s plot.
Ask gardeners to bring their own water and snacks to avoid co-mingling of water and food.
Provide hand sanitizer if you are able. Make your own with 2/3 cup isopropyl alcohol and 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel. We have a very small supply at the garden so please bring your own when possible.
Practice social distancing; stay 6 feet away from the other volunteers and gardeners you are working with.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds as soon as you get home. Sing your favorite song, Old McDonald had a farm... lol!
Other suggestions for gardeners:
Register online for your plot! tinyurl.com/DUG2020 Please refer to the website if you lost it.
If gardeners need to pay with cash, arrange it with membership@roserootsgarden.org .
Call fellow gardeners to say hi and see if anyone needs assistance with food or a trip to the store. Remember, many stores and restaurants are delivering now.
Take a look at DUG's list of COVID-19 resources at www.dug.org/covid-19-resources/
Get your plot weed-free and turn your soil for summer.
Explore DUG’s Horticulture Resources.
Plant seeds indoors to be transplanted into the garden later. Ideally, utilize “grow-lights” 2" above the seedlings, left on 14 hours/day.
Be socially aware if you decide to purchase your garden supplies.
General Notes and Guidelines about COVID-19
The virus can live up to 2 days outside of its animal host body. Current research suggests the COVID-19 virus can live for up to 2 days on various surfaces. Possibly longer, possibly less, depending on the actual surface material. We do not know exactly how long it can live, but this is a good parameter to use when making assumptions about what we can and can’t touch.
Soap, alcohol and bleach are the best agents to kill the virus. Soap is VERY effective.
Be kind. Be generous. Be resilient. We will get through this together.
For the love of gardening,
Kendra and Garden Leadership