Garden Plots at Mar-Duke Farm
The Mar-Duke Farm garden plots are located at 6800 S. Main Street, between Greenbriar Medical Center and Divine Savior Church. Full plots are approximately 20' x 30'. Half plots are approximately 20' x 15'. Six elevated plots, 4' x 11' are available on a first-come, first-served basis to persons with disabilities and gardeners who cannot work at ground level (one per person).
2025 Priority Renewals for 2024 Gardeners begins Feb 4 @ 9am
Open Registration for the 2025 Season begins Mar 5 @ 9am
2025 GARDEN PLOT FEES
| Full Plots | Half Plots (26 available) ADA Raised Beds (6 available) | |
| Resident | $55 | $44 |
| Non-resident | $83 | $66 |
| Senior Resident (Age 62+) | $43 | $35 |
| Senior Non-resident (Age 62+) | $65 | $54 |
Refund Policy
- Plots returned before or on May 8 will receive a refund less a $5 service fee
- Plots returned on or after May 9 through May 31 will receive a refund less a $5 service fee and a $5 late cancellation fee
- No refunds for plots returned or forfeited on or after June 1
IMPORTANT DATES 2025
| February 4 | Renewal begins online at 9am: Gardeners may begin renewing up to four (4) non-organic or organic plots held in the 2024 season for the 2025 season. Raised bed gardeners may renew up to one (1) plot. | |
| February 28 | Renewal deadline: renewals must be completed by 3pm on Friday, February 28. | |
| March 5 | Open registration begins online at 9am: Open registration for plots not renewed during the renewal process starts online at www.dgparks.org and continues through 3pm on May 30. | |
| April 23 | Additional Organic Garden plots available at 9am: Gardeners who have four (4) organic plots reserved may obtain additional organic plots through May 30. | |
| May 30 | DEADLINE FOR ALL GARDEN PLOT RENTALS AND REFUNDS IS 3PM |
RENTAL RULES AND MODIFICATIONS
-
Renewal maximums: A maximum of four (4) full-sized organic or non-organic plots and a maximum of one (1) ADA plot or half-sized plot maybe renewed during the renewal period.
-
Non-organic plots: Gardeners may reserve an unlimited amount of non-organic full-sized plots during open registration.
-
Organic plots: Gardeners may reserve a total of four (4) organic plots through April 22, which include plots that have been renewed. Additional organic plots if available can be rented beginning April 23.
-
Raised beds & half-sized plots: Households may reserve one (1) each of ADA plots or half-sized plots throughout the season. Half-sized plots are approximately 20 x 15 and a limited number are available.
When the plots are ready to open for the season, gardeners will be notified through a variety of communication channels:
- An email will be sent to all registered gardeners.
- An announcement will be posted to the top of this page.
To report a hydrant leak or other problem with the plots, please call 331.777.4355
Should illegal activities, such as theft, alcohol use, malicious damage, illegal dumping, etc. be observed, please contact the Downers Grove Police Department at 630.434.5600.
The Garden Plot section and number will be shown on your receipt you should have received when you registered. Please make sure you consult your receipt before you plant.
If you have issues or concerns regarding your garden plot, please leave a message on the Mar-Duke hotline at 331.777.4355. If you have questions regarding your plot number or plot size, please contact our registration staff at 630.960.7500, Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm.
To assist with security at the garden plots, all registered gardeners will receive two parking tags in the mail. Tags will be mailed in early May and should be displayed from the rearview mirror of your vehicle and be visible during your time at the garden plots.
Parking is permitted on both sides of the road.
Should illegal activities, such as theft, alcohol use, malicious damage, illegal dumping, etc. be observed, please contact the Downers Grove Police Department at 630.434.5600. If you did not receive your parking tags, please contact our registration staff at regi_staff@dgparks.org.
The Park District recommends minimal use of chemicals when gardening. If used, it is the gardener's responsibility to use any products according to the label, be accountable to fellow gardeners when using these products and wear proper protective gear. Planting proper cultivars, using trap plants and using proper cultural practices such as cultivating and mulching are better alternatives to chemical controls.
Location
Mar-Duke Farm Garden Plots
6800 S. Main St.
Downers Grove, IL
Phone: 331.777.4355
