How to Apply for or Renew a Plot at Eagle Heights Community Gardens

Updated

2026 plot applications are open. Whether you are renewing an existing plot or applying for the first time, the process is the same: complete an application and either mail it in or drop it off at the Eagle Heights Community Center. If anything is unclear, contact the Garden Registrar at [email protected].

What the Gardens Are

Eagle Heights Gardens is a community garden for growing food for the University of Wisconsin and Madison communities. It describes itself as one of the oldest and largest community gardens in the United States, with gardeners drawn from faculty, staff, students, and community members. The stated approach is organic growing, patient soil building, and a community of gardeners from many countries.

That context matters for your decision: this is a working food garden tied to the UW and Madison community, not a decorative or rental landscaping service.

Applying or Renewing: The Steps

  1. Get the application. The 2026 plot application is the current form referenced in the site's announcements.
  2. Complete it. Both renewals and new applications use an application form — there is no separate renewal-only path described.
  3. Submit it. Mail the completed application, or drop it off at the Eagle Heights Community Center.
  4. Ask questions if needed. Email the Garden Registrar at [email protected].

What to verify before you submit

  • Confirm you are using the 2026 application, since the announcement is year-specific.
  • Confirm your submission method — mail or in-person drop-off are the two options stated; no online submission is mentioned.
  • Keep the Registrar's email on hand in case your application status is unclear.

Common Questions

Do renewing gardeners need to do anything different? No. The announcement states that if you are renewing or applying, you complete an application and mail or drop it off.

Who do I contact? The Garden Registrar, at [email protected].

Where do I drop off an application? The Eagle Heights Community Center.

Beyond the Application

Once you are gardening, the site points to a few ongoing resources:

  • Maintenance/Repair Request form — for reporting issues such as water problems or general garden issues.
  • Seed Fair donors and share shelf — donated seeds are distributed at the spring Seed Fair, and seeds are sometimes placed on the share shelf periodically during the season.
  • Registrar email archive — events, upcoming workdays, and gardening tips.
  • Garden Committee meeting minutes — for learning what is happening in the gardens and how to shape their direction.

Key Takeaways

  • 2026 applications are open now.
  • Renewals and first-time applications use the same form.
  • Submit by mail or in person at the Eagle Heights Community Center.
  • Direct questions to [email protected].