Please read the entire agreement carefully. If you agree to all terms, initial each section on the form and sign before submitting.

(Updated February 1, 2026)

• Plot care – I will consistently maintain my plot, including weeding and keeping plants, trellises, and materials within my plot boundaries and out of paths and neighboring plots.
• Harvesting – I will harvest only produce from my own plot unless I have clear permission from another gardener or garden leadership.
• Season & clean-out – I understand my plot is available for use approximately March through October (weather permitting). I will remove all plants, stakes, cages, string, and personal items from my plot by October 31.
• Organic practices only – If I use soil amendments, fertilizers, nutrients, herbicides, pesticides, or any other growing inputs, they will be 100% organic and approved for food gardens. I will not use synthetic herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers in my plot.
• Weeds & neglect – If my plot becomes significantly overgrown or neglected, I understand garden leadership may give me written notice (email or text). If the plot is not brought back to an acceptable condition within seven (7) days, the Garden may reclaim the plot and either reassign it, convert it to a community plot, or clear it.
• Plot boundaries & structures – I will not alter plot boundaries. I will not build, install, or bring in any permanent structure. Due to their height, sunflowers are not allowed to grow in the plots. Temporary supports (stakes, cages, small trellises) are allowed, but no structure may exceed six (6) feet in height without written approval from garden leadership.
• Abandoning a plot – If I need to abandon my plot for any reason, I will notify garden leadership as soon as possible at bensongardens@gmail.com or 402-714-0290. I understand plots are not transferable to another person.
• Garden hours – I will use the Garden only between sunrise and sunset, and I will not be on the Property outside those hours unless I have written permission from garden leadership for a specific purpose.
• Compost & trash – I will place organic plant waste from my plot in the designated compost area and all non-compostable trash in the trash or recycle container by the shed. I will not leave bags, containers, or trash in my plot or in common areas.
• Dogs – Well-behaved dogs are welcome only if they are leashed at all times, kept out of garden beds and off other gardeners’ plots, and cleaned up after immediately. I understand I am responsible for my dog at all times.
• Guests & children – If I bring guests or children to the Garden, they must be closely supervised at all times. I am responsible for their conduct and safety, and I agree they will follow posted rules.
• Safety & tools – I will use tools and equipment safely. I will not leave tools, hoses, or sharp objects where they create a hazard. I understand the Garden may close areas or restrict access for safety, maintenance, events, or construction.
• LIABILITY WAIVER, RELEASE OF CLAIMS & ASSUMPTION OF RISK
  I understand that Benson Community Garden (“Garden”) activities on the property at 1302 N 60th Ave, Omaha, Nebraska (the “Property”) involve inherent risks, including but not limited to slips, trips, falls, uneven ground, tools, cuts, stings/bites, allergic reactions, weather exposure, and other known and unknown hazards, and I voluntarily assume all risks of injury, illness, death, theft, loss, or property damage arising from my entry onto the Property or participation in Garden activities, whether caused by my actions, the actions of others, conditions of the Property, or the ordinary negligence of the Garden, its organizers, volunteers, sponsors, board members, officers, agents, contractors, and the Property owner(s) (collectively, the “Released Parties”); to the fullest extent permitted by Nebraska law, I waive, release, and forever discharge the Released Parties from any and all claims or causes of action of any kind arising out of or related to my presence at or participation in the Garden, INCLUDING CLAIMS ARISING FROM THE ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASED PARTIES, but excluding claims based on gross negligence or willful misconduct to the extent such claims cannot be waived under Nebraska law; I agree to follow all posted rules, safety instructions, and restricted-area notices, and I understand the Garden may restrict access or require me or my guests to leave for safety or rule violations; I am solely responsible for the supervision, conduct, and safety of any guests I bring onto the Property and any minor(s) in my care, and by signing I agree this release and assumption of risk applies to me and to any minor(s) I bring with me; and I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or attorney fees arising from my actions or omissions, or those of my guests or minor(s), while on the Property or participating in Garden activities; this agreement is binding on me and my heirs and legal representatives and is governed by Nebraska law, and any lawsuit arising from this agreement or Garden participation must be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction in Douglas County, Nebraska.

Common Area Work

I understand that being part of any community garden is helping out with the common area work, and I agree to do at least one task from the list every week. Tasks typically take 5 – 15 minutes per plot, per week.