Reston Association Garden Plots: The Complete 2025 Guide

Introduction

For many Restonians, spring does not truly start until seed packets appear on the kitchen counter. Yet patio containers only go so far. Luckily, Reston Association Garden Plots let residents cultivate everything from heirloom tomatoes to towering sunflowers in full-sized beds. With more than 270 plots across five community sites, these gardens have been a local tradition since the 1960s. This guide covers locations, fees, wait-lists, and insider tips so you can trade balcony planters for communal soil and live a little greener here in Northern Virginia.

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History of the Garden Plot Program

Reston’s first community garden beds took shape near Lake Anne when the new town was still an experiment in mixed-use planning. Over decades, plots spread to Golf Course Island, Hunters Woods, and Cedar Ridge, reflecting founder Robert Simon’s “live, work, play, garden” vision. Families often pass plots from one generation to the next, proving these squares of earth are as much about heritage as harvest.

Why Garden Plots Matter in Reston

• Local food movement – growing on shared land reduces food miles to footsteps.

• Environmental stewardship – three of the five sites follow strictly organic rules, keeping chemicals out of nearby lakes.

• Community connection – shared hose bibs and compost piles turn neighbors into friends.

• Real-estate perk – guaranteed green space can sway buyers comparing Reston real estate with other Northern Virginia suburbs; ask any best Reston agent and they will confirm it.

Where the Plots Are and What Makes Each One Special

All locations appear on the official Reston Association Garden Plots page.

Plot Sizes and 2025 Rental Fees

Reston charges by size category—roughly thirty-five cents per square foot. Eight tiers run from petite beds under 120 square feet to sprawling mini-farms over 600 square feet.

• Size 1 – $45

• Size 2 – $65

• Size 3 – $100

• Size 4 – $140

• Size 5 – $175

• Size 6 – $205

• Size 7 – $240

• Size 8 – $275

Rates come from the 2025 Reston Association Fee Schedule.

Membership, Assessments, and What the Fee Covers

Gardeners must hold an RA membership in good standing, meaning the annual assessment (currently $848) is paid. Your garden-plot fee provides:

• On-site water supply

• Seasonal mulch and shared compost

• Keyed gates and perimeter fencing

• Path maintenance and fence repairs

The Wait-List: How It Works and Ways to Move Up

Demand is high, especially for smaller beds near Lake Anne. Most residents spend one season on the wait-list before securing a plot. Improve your odds by:

1. Emailing early – the queue resets each January.

2. Staying flexible – list multiple site preferences.

3. Accepting any size – a starter plot beats none; you can upgrade later.

Join by emailing [email protected] with your name, address, and preferred sites.

Step-by-Step: Securing Your First Plot

1. Log in or create your RA account.

2. Email the garden-plot coordinator with site and size requests.

3. Watch for confirmation—you will receive a wait-list number.

4. Sign the contract and pay online once offered a spot.

5. Pick up your plot map and gate key at RA headquarters on Sunrise Valley Drive.

Full instructions live on the RA Garden Plots page.

Gardening the Organic Way

Except for Lake Anne, every site follows strict organic guidelines:

• Skip synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

• Use floating row covers and hand-picking for pests.

• Build soil with RA-provided leaf mulch and compost.

• Plant pollinator rows of zinnias or marigolds between crops.

These rules keep soil healthy and streams clear—vital in a community woven around lakes.

Month-by-Month Growing Calendar (Zone 7a)

• March – turn compost, sow peas, onions, spinach.

• April – transplant brassicas, direct-seed carrots.

• May – set tomatoes, peppers, basil after Mother’s Day.

• June – July – mulch deeply, trellis cucumbers, harvest early potatoes.

• August – start fall brassicas in flats; sow bush beans.

• September – plant kale, radishes, cover crops.

• October – pull summer vines, add shredded leaves.

• November – February – clean tools and sketch next season’s layout.

Community Culture and Events

Gardeners trade seedlings, leave surplus zucchini on the “Free Veg” table, and team up for pathway workdays each spring. Many stop by the Reston Farmers Market on Saturday mornings before tending beds. RA’s Walker Nature Center hosts organic-gardening workshops, and seasonal potlucks let plot veterans swap recipes for Cherokee Purple salsa and garlic-scape pesto.

How Garden Plots Fit Reston’s Real-Estate Lifestyle

Outdoor amenities—from 55 miles of paved trails to these communal gardens—rank high when buyers compare Reston with other Northern Virginia suburbs. Guaranteed garden space often tips the scales, and it is something the best realtors in Reston, VA spotlight during neighborhood tours. Even if you are years from moving, securing a plot now weaves you into the fabric of the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there accessible beds? Cedar Ridge and Golf Course Island have raised beds on request.
Can I install my own fence? Only temporary, non-permanent fencing under four feet is allowed.
What about deer? Perimeter fencing helps, but netting over prized plants is wise.
Is water available year-round? Spigots run mid-April through October, weather permitting.
Can I keep my plot forever? Renew annually and follow the rules.
What happens if weeds take over? After two warnings, RA may reassign your plot.

Final Trowel Tap

From pint-size salad beds to 600-square-foot mini-farms, Reston Association Garden Plots offer fertile ground for fresh food, new friendships, and deeper community roots. Ready to dig in? Join the wait-list today and start planning your first harvest. Your future salsa garden—and maybe your future neighbors—are waiting.