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).
Mar-Duke Farm Plots Opening Wednesday, May 13 after 3:00 pm!
See full communication under Gardener Communication section below!
2026 Garden Plot Map
2026 Garden Plot Manual
2026 GARDEN PLOT FEES
| Full Plots | Half Plots (26 available) ADA Raised Beds (6 available) | |
| Resident | $55 | $44 |
| Non-resident | $90 | $70 |
| Senior Resident (Age 62+) | $43 | $35 |
| Senior Non-resident (Age 62+) | $70 | $60 |
Refund Policy
- Plots returned before or on May 7 will receive a refund less a $5 service fee
- Plots returned on or after May 8 through May 28 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 May 29
Renewal Process & Open Registration
A priority renewal process for returning gardeners will take place from February 3-27, 2026 beginning at 10 am. During this period, gardeners may renew up to four (4) plots held in the 2025 season. New plots may not be reserved during the renewal period. Returning gardeners who wish to obtain additional plots may do so on or after Open Registration begins.
Open Registration begins online, March 4 at 10 am.
Review or create your account prior to open registration
IMPORTANT - New accounts must complete an audit process before you're eligible to register for programs. This process can take up to 24-48 hours. If you plan on reserving plots when Open Registration begins, please create your account at least 24-48 hours in advance so it is ready and approved before registration opens. Note: Residency documentation may be required for all adults listed in the household to be eligible for a resident account.
Returning users, make sure you can log into your online account before Open Registration begins!
IMPORTANT DATES 2026
| Feb 3 | Renewal begins online at 10 am: Gardeners may begin renewing up to four (4) non-organic or organic plots held in the 2025 season for the 2026 season. Raised bed gardeners may renew up to one (1) plot. | |
| Feb 27 | Renewal deadline: renewals must be completed by 3 pm on Friday, February 27. | |
| Mar 4 | Open registration begins online at 10 am: Open registration for plots not renewed during the renewal process starts online at www.dgparks.org and continues through 3 pm on May 28. | |
| Apr 22 | Additional Organic Garden plots available at 10am: Gardeners who have four (4) organic plots reserved may obtain additional organic plots through May 28. | |
| May 28 | DEADLINE FOR ALL GARDEN PLOT RENTALS AND REFUNDS IS 3 pm on Thursday, May 28 |
RENTAL RULES AND MODIFICATIONS
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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.
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Non-organic plots: Gardeners may reserve an unlimited amount of non-organic full-sized plots during open registration.
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Organic plots: Gardeners may reserve a total of four (4) organic plots through April 21 which include plots that have been renewed. Additional organic plots, if available, can be rented beginning April 22.
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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.
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.
May 13
Dear Gardeners,
Spring is finally here, and the Downers Grove Park District is excited to welcome you back for another growing season at the Mar-Duke Farm Garden Plots! We look forward to seeing the gardens come to life again!
We’re pleased to announce that garden plots will officially open for planting after 3:00 pm today, Wednesday, May 13. Please note that all plots must be have plantings completed by June 8.
Plot Number Reminder
Before you begin planting, please double-check your receipt to confirm your assigned plot number. Planting in the incorrect plot will result in the removal of any plants or materials.
If you have questions about your plot number(s) or plot size, please contact our registration staff during open desk hours, Monday-Friday 9am - 4pm at 630.960.7500 or email us at regi_staff@dgparks.org.
Recommendations, Reminders & Security Guidelines
- Chemical Use: The Park District recommends limited use of chemicals. If used, follow label instructions carefully, wear protective gear, and be mindful of neighboring gardeners. Whenever possible, opt for alternative methods like planting disease-resistant varieties, using trap crops, and practicing proper mulching and cultivation.
- Mulch Deliveries: As outlined in the Garden Plot Manual, please notify the Park District in advance of any mulch deliveries and ensure all materials are promptly moved into your assigned plot.
- Parking Tags: All registered gardeners should have received two purple/blue colored parking tags in the mail. These should be clearly displayed on your vehicle’s rearview mirror while on site. If you did not receive tags, please contact our registration staff at regi_staff@dgparks.org.
- Security Note: If you observe any suspicious or illegal activity, such as theft, vandalism, or unauthorized vehicles, please contact the Downers Grove Police Department at 630.434.5600
- Parking Guidelines: Parking is not allowed at Divine Savior, Greenbriar Medical Center, or in the surrounding neighborhood. Violators may be ticketed and towed. Please obey all posted speed and parking signs.
We wish you a successful and rewarding gardening season!
January 14
Announced renewal process to 2025 Gardeners through email.
- Renewal process takes place Feb 3 (10 am) through Feb 27 (3 pm)
- Plots not renewed will be available for open registration on Mar 4 (10 am)
February 24
Reminder email sent to Gardeners not yet renewed.
- Renew by Feb 27 (3 pm)
April 24
Parking tags have been placed in the U.S.P.S mail to Gardeners. Each household will receive 2 parking tags.
- If parking tags are not received by May 1, please contact our registration staff @ 630.960.7500, Monday-Friday from 9am - 4pm.
April 27
Correction: 2026 Garden Parking Tag Color
- In the letter included with your tags, the color was mistakenly listed as 'cherry red'. This years parking tags are actually a deep blue/purple color. We apologize for any confusion!
The Garden Plot section and number will be shown on your receipt 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
