The NKU community garden can be found here behind the historic log cabin on Nunn Drive and next to the Honors House. This garden is one of three community gardens in Highland Heights (see details of each garden below).
This project is truly a collaborative effort. The department of Facilities Management is working with Chartwells, the on-campus food provider, as well as the local Extension Service and the two existing community gardens in the Highland Heights community.
The purpose of this project is to offer a network of community gardens to students, faculty, staff, and community members. This service provides an opportunity for anyone to grow their own organic produce free of charge.
To adopt a plot, take the following steps:
Becki Lanter
Northern Kentucky Univeristy
70 Campbell Drive
Maintenance Building, MA 105
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Asbury United Methodist Church - this 20-plot garden is located on the south side of Johns Hill Road and north west of the church. This is the only garden site that requires gardeners to haul their own water from home to their garden plots.
City of Highland Heights - this 21-plot garden is located west of NKU's Callahan Hall. This garden can be accessed by a walking path from the Highland Heights city building. Water is provided on site.
Northern Kentucky University - this 10-plot garden is located behind the historic log cabin north of Nunn Drive on the NKU campus. Parking for non-permit holding gardeners is available in designated spaces in Lot I. Water is provided on site as well as a small assortment of tools.
How much of a time commitment is gardening?
The growing season lasts from approximately early May until late September. Planting, harvesting, and winterizing your garden will require the most amount of time; approximately 2 hours each. You will also be required to maintain your garden by weeding and watering throughout the growing season; this will take approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour per week.
Who is eligible to adopt a garden plot?
All students, faculty, staff, and community members are eligible to apply for a garden plot.
Are garden plots free?
Yes, garden plots are completely free at all three garden sites. At the Asbury garden, all gardeners must haul their own water to their plots.
How do I adopt a garden plot?
To adopt a plot at any of the three community gardens, email the NKU Sustainbility Manager.
How big is a garden plot?
The NKU garden plots are 4x8 and plots at both Highland Heights and Asbury are approximately 10x10.
How many garden plots are there?
There are three community gardens in Highland Heights. The NKU garden has 10 plots, the Highland Heights garden has 21 plots, and the Asbury garden has 20 plots.
May I reserve more than one garden plot?
Yes, if you are first-time gardener, you may reserve up to 2 plots for one growing season. If you have gardened at one of these sites previously and are in good standing (see the Community Garden Contract), you may reserve up to 4 plots. You can also elect to be placed on the waitlist for additional plots if plots are forfeited by other gardeners.
How can I guarantee that I get the plot I want?
First priority of garden plot reservations will be given to the previous gardener of that plot. Otherwise, plots are reserved on a first come, first served basis. To guarantee a plot, fill out an application early and maintain your garden plot throughout the growing season. If you have a garden site preference (not necessarily a plot preference), you can designate your preference on your application.
What will happen if I don't maintain my garden plot?
Gardeners who break the Community Garden Contract, abandon their plots, or let their plots become unruly will forfeit their plot – forfeited plots will be offered to gardeners on the waitlist.
I don't have any tools and/or I can't afford them, does this mean I can't participate?
A small selection of tools is available to gardeners at the NKU garden. Within the garden fence there is a small, locked shed, this shed contains a selection of basic gardening tools. The combination to this shed will be made available for use by anyone who adopts a plot.
