How many plants are you talking about? 50 or 500? Many small scale growers sell their plants to friends, family, neighbors, at the local farmer's market, at the corner grocery store, from the back of their pick-up along the roadside, etc. in the spring at planting time. It only becomes complex if you get into sales across state lines or make enough sales where you have to collect and pay state sales tax declare it as income or if you set yourself up as a small business (contact the local Small Business Bureau). Dept. of AG has rules that can limit sales/transport across state lines and each state has its own rules on amounts requiring sales tax collection and payment. And your local farmer's market association may have their own rules too - some do, some don't. You can find out what the county/state regs are from your local county extension office or the local state revenue office. Dave

Thanks so much terrestrial man - I was wondering about the regs when travelling into the country with live plants - so I actually wrote to the USDA people and got some direction. It appears upto 12 (CITES approved) plants free of growing media, wrapped in say damp paper towels are allowed with Phytosanitary certificates, which appears to be the same requirement for Flasks - so now let's see, if I have a convenient/accessible/dependable facility to get it from where I'm headed!

Our by-laws have been revised since the version linked below, but it will give you an idea of what we do. Now, to answer your questions: City/location of your community garden: Philadelphia, PA - in a pretty urban neighborhood. How many plots/gardeners: About 60 plots. Some are individually cared for, others are cared for by couples, families, or a shared by a couple friends. Average plot size: Mine is about 6'x19'. It is one of the smaller plots, some are almost twice as large. Rental term and amount: $10/yr. $5 for senior citizens. The bylaws explain more, don't hesitate to contact me off-list for specific questions. Maintenance rules (weeding etc.): Again, check by-laws. I'll be happy to provide you with anything the by-laws don't address. Volunteer work required? Yes. (some of this is in the bylaws). You need to attend a certain # of meetings and monthly clean-up per year (5 of each?). Plus, people are encouraged to do additional volunteer work, and are required to participate in certain annual events. Amenities (tools, greenhouse, etc.): We have a couple of sheds used mostly for community tools and other shared items. The garden has larger tools such as garden forks and shovels. Individual gardeners have their own pruners, small spades, etc. We also have a gazebo, picnic benches, and barbeque pits. We have several community tended flower beds, fig trees, fruit tree orchard, grape arbour, and rasperry brambles. To find out more about my specific garden, go to http://www.ngalandtrust.org/, click on "The Gardens/The 22 preserved", then click on "Southwark/Queen Village Community Garden". Good luck! Here is a link that might be useful: By-Laws

Most governments have those type of rules, and of course, they want to make money off of anyone that might be making some money. Not everyone reports that money to the IRS, plus the county/state wants theirs. I don't know what a garlic tart is either, plus educate us. I like garlic. If it's a recipe, please share if you will. Marla