This price difference is a  reflection of the fact that seasonal plot preparation and administration takes a lot more operator time, fuel, equipment hours, and administrative work than year-round plots. These costs are not completely covered by the 2023 price increase, but we do not want seasonal plots to become so pricey that gardeners are not able to offset rental costs with produce they grow.

Another reason for this difference in rental cost is that we recognize that our longstanding practice of uniformly tilling all seasonal garden plots each season is out of alignment with research-based best practices in caring for the vulnerable and finite resource of topsoil. With this slight price difference, we are explicitly encouraging those who are curious about renting a year-round plot to try out a model of gardening that is less disruptive to the soil.  

Also, strengthening relationships with neighboring gardeners and the land itself over multiple seasons is most easily done when people garden in the same plots year-to-year.  We hope that by creating a small but meaningful price difference between the two plot types, gardeners will consider follow their pocketbooks toward stewarding the soils in their gardens and becoming more deeply rooted members of their garden community.

Yes, of course! Although we are incentivizing gardeners to rent year-round plots as part of a conscious reduction in the amount of soil our program disturbs through tillage, we respect the choice to grow in an annual tilled plot.  We understand the importance of serving a diverse array of needs. 

In part, increasing the availability of year-round plots is a response to known interest and frustration with the limited number of year-round plots at many of our gardens. However, not everyone is interested in or able to manage a year-round plot. Physical limitations, gardening style, or personal preference are all valid reasons for electing to rent a seasonal plot with soils tilled by Extension.

Because of our need to group seasonal plots together for efficient tilling, staking, and weed management, some gardeners requesting seasonal plots will be asked to grow their 2025 gardens in different (but equally fertile and sunny)  areas of the garden.

Gardeners have frequently expressed frustration over the difficulty of securing a year-round plot. Limited offerings, restrictions on eligibility, and long wait lists have prevented many growers from renting year-round plots. This year we are newly offering year-round plots at 6^th and Howard, and at Kohl Farm.

We are also increasing the number of year-round plots offered at FireFly Ridge community Garden. Our program requires first-time gardeners interested in year-round plots to schedule a short meeting with garden staff to review expectations and jointly create a plan for success in the garden.

Not only is this assistance available, it is our literal job to help gardeners achieve their gardening goals, no matter where or how they garden. If you are considering transitioning to a year-round plot this season, please reach out—we will be delighted to talk with you.

On the flip side, if you are strongly committed to growing in a seasonal plot forever—we will also be totally delighted to talk with you. Even if our staff in Milwaukee County can’t answer your garden-related question, we’re willing to bet that one of our 700+ Extension colleagues around the State knows the answer.