Garden Plots

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).

2026 Garden Plot Map

2026 Garden Plot Manual

Registration begins Mar 4

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!

Learn More

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 2

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 21 which include plots that have been renewed. Additional organic plots, if available, can be rented beginning April 22.
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.

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)

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.