How we operate

We hold formal group meetings monthly, typically on the last Wednesday of each month. These gatherings offer a chance to connect with fellow gardeners, share ideas for future projects, and plan for the upcoming volunteer workday. Visitors and prospective members are always welcome to attend.

All community gardeners are required to complete 12 volunteer hours annually. To help stay on track, we ask that at least 6 of those hours be completed within the first six months of joining. The first Saturday of each month is our designated group workday, providing a great opportunity to contribute your hours. During these workdays, we tackle a range of tasks to help maintain the garden, including mowing, weeding paths, tending shared spaces, building compost piles, pruning trees, maintaining tools, and repairing fences.

We also host special events a few times a year, welcoming the broader Austin community to join us. Highlights include our annual anniversary celebration, which features food and plant sales, a raffle, live local music, and composting demonstrations.

Please note, monthly meeting and community workday schedules may vary due to holidays or weather conditions. Any date changes will be communicated via email.

Applying for a plot

To reserve a plot, e-mail the Plot Rental Coordinator at southatxgarden@gmail.com. You’ll be added to the waiting list based on the date of your application and contacted when a plot becomes available.

To help new and prospective gardeners get familiar with how we operate, we provide a newcomer packet that includes the following downloadable PDF documents:

Gardening guidelines
Plot map
Plot Agreement
Coordinator Roles

Wish list

• Bark mulch for pathways
• Shovels, rakes, hoes, and other garden tools
• Tiller
• Bird and bat houses
• Trimmers
• Pruning equipment
• Long hoses