What would you do?

[judy]

That's the thing - I don't think your very good intentions would be appreciated either.
Obviously you can't tend to their garden. I'm so sorry you've had all of these things happen to your health. I just wonder if it's really a good thing to let them tend to it.
They won't appreciate it, they'll more than likely do damage in some way to your property, and it's not going to work out well for you.

That being said, do you still do the "right thing?" I'm just not sure what I would do.
Sometimes, there's a fine line between turning the other cheek and accepting abuse
which is not good for you or for them.

In other words, if you let them into the garden, are you being an enabler or a good person?

[DianaB]

I would probably let them harvest and work the garden until they caused trouble. Let them know up front what they can and can't do and put it in writing. Then I would let them know that there would be NO second chances. Take it or leave it. They may decide that it might not be worth the effort and you'll be done with them.

[Janet]

You know, I've been thinking about this for awhile. Except for the corn, most everything could be replanted, if done in the evening and watered good before going to bed. Why not tell them they have a certain amount of time to get it out and then put the fence up as soon as possible. Would that be feasible?

This is really a hard dilemma. I know as soon as the lines were drawn, I'd want the fence up so they couldn't mess with it. If you wait, you could end up having to do it all over again.

[Emmsmom]

As much grief as they have given you I think you should claim the land and tell them they have to move thier stuff I would let them get the vegatable this year but I would let them use the land to plant any crops again. Just make sure when you tell them about the property lines you aren't alone. Good luck

[Marilyn]

If you allow them on your property after you have had the survey done, I'd have them sign something relieving you of any liability in the event that they are hurt while on your property. Your kindness could back fire if they claim an injury and decide to sue. I'd also talk to my insurance agent to make sure your insurance would protect you, just in case.

[Willow]

I don't know what the laws are about this where you live, but here in Ohio, if someone has planted a garden even if the property didn't belong to them, according to state law they are allowed to reap their produce...harvest it whatever...unless the property owner pays them fair value for the harvest.

I would contact your local court house and ask them who you should speak with to find out if there are any laws regarding this. You should make sure that there isn't any legal legs for them to stand on if you fence it in.

We are having a similiar issue with our new neighbor, except that they are trying to claim OUR fence as theirs and are even saying THEY paid for and put the fence in (not true!).

[blowry]

Hi Tink! I just came up on this post so, I really don't know the whole story...But, why did they plant gardens on YOUR property? And...(I'm assuming) that this is a new property you bought?? and they planted there before you bought it? If they are nice people I would, very nicely tell them what you are doing and give them the chance to either ,move their plantings(that can be moved) or, that they come onto your property once a week (like someone here had mentioned) to tend to their garden with, full well knowing that YOU are not responsible for their garden or anything that happens to it..HOWEVER....if they are hateful neighbors...I would tell them what you are doing and that they need to move everything, that they can...off your property by a certain time or the plants will be destroyed....

Does that sound harsh?!!