Garden Map & Rules

Garden Map

The Gardens are located along a private stretch of Harris Road in Grayslake, Illinois, directly across the street from Liberty Prairie headquarters at the Prairie Crossing Conservation Farm. Click here to map our location.

Rules and Requirements

Produce is the sole property of the grower.

Gardeners must begin planting by June 1.

  • If nothing is planted by this date, your plot may be assigned to a new gardener or reclaimed by Liberty Prairie.

Gardeners agree to use organic inputs only.

  • Organic compost is provided to amend soil in spring.
  • We permit the use of organic fertilizers with 0 (zero) P (Phosphorus) values.
  • We do not allow the use of chemical herbicides or pesticides.

Gardeners must minimize weed growth within their plot.

  • Untended plots degrade quickly and exert pressure on neighboring plots.
  • If your plot becomes unkempt, you will be given one week to address the issue or make alternative plans with Liberty Prairie staff.
  • If the problem remains unresolved, your plot may be assigned to a new gardener or reclaimed by Liberty Prairie.

Prohibited plants:

  • Mint (family)
  • Nettles
  • Bamboo
  • Ivy
  • Noxious weeds
  • Trees

The metal stakes marking plot corners may not be removed.

  • Crops and flowers must remain entirely within your plot.
  • Personal tools and equipment must remain entirely within your plot.
  • Gardeners are permitted to fence in their plots; however, if you lease adjacent plots, you may not fence-in the adjoining walkways.

The on-site compositing is managed by Liberty Prairie staff.

  • Deposit organic materials only. Remove as much soil as possible from the roots of plants.
  • Do not deposit kitchen scraps or any other organics from your home in any of the managed compost piles at the Gardens.
  • Burning is not allowed.

The garden shed is not a shared storage space.

  • During the primary growing season (April 1-November 15), this location is reserved for Liberty Prairie staff and volunteers.
  • Overwinter storage of wheelbarrows and hoses is permitted (November 15-April 1).
  • Overwinter storage of personal tools (shovels, rakes, hoes, etc.) or infrastructure (fencing, tomato cages, trellises, etc.) is not allowed.

If you need to surrender your plot for any reason, please contact Liberty Prairie staff immediately, remove all physical apparatuses, and trim plants to the ground or remove them.

Gardeners rent plots for one year at a time with the option to renew or change plots at the end of each season. Returning gardeners receive priority. 

Help your local food bank!

You can help our local food banks by donating fresh produce from your garden. For more information, please visit the Illinois Department of Family Services webpage.