Riverhead community garden plots available

River and Roots, a local not-for-profit group designated by Riverhead Town to run a community garden on town-owned land on the bank of the Peconic River, has started accepting applications for the 36 individual plots.

The 4-by-10-foot plots, which cost $25, must have something planted and growing by June 1. They will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are restrictions associated with use of the plots: Overhead sprinklers cannot be used, tall plants cannot be placed where they would shade someone else’s crop, and weeds must be kept at a minimum.

New gardeners can ask for help from experienced ones, and applicants can request a garden near a friend.

The applications and rules are available at riverandrootscg@gmail.com or by mail at River and Roots Community Garden, P.O. Box 2129, Riverhead 11901.

Priority for gardens will be given to residents of greater downtown Riverhead, which the group defines as the area between the Peconic River and Route 58, between Kroemer Avenue and County Route 105.

For any remaining plots, priority will go to all Riverhead Town residents.