We have more than 50 private plots at Warrnambool Community Garden rented by members, families and community groups to grow and harvest their own produce. They have exclusive use of their plot and are responsible for keeping their space weed free, tidy and productive.
If you are interested in hiring a plot, read about the application process then talk to our site manager or convenor about the options available.
Got your own plot?
Your garden plot needs love!
If you have a plot it needs weekly maintenance. This is vital to keep your plants healthy and thriving and minimise weeds. Plan to spend 2-3 hours a week in your garden.
Organic growing practices are best.
Use only organic pesticides and herbicides in food growing areas, and then only with care and minimally. Remember - good gardeners focus on soil health. Look after soil microbes, fungi and larger life like earthworms and they look after your plants.
Help is at hand
There are lots of people who are happy to help and support you as you get growing. Say hello to your plot mates and let someone know if you are a bit lost, we have lots of knowledge to share.
All things water
Water is a precious resource and we are very careful with our water use in the garden.
Always use a trigger nozzle on a hose and return it by wrapping up neatly.
If you are going to use a sprinkler, you must stay on site while it’s running. Or arrange with someone on site to turn it off for you.
If you see any leaks please notify a committee member or site manager immediately.
Maintenance expectations
Gardeners need to upkeep their personal plot if they have one including weeding, harvesting, and any other general maintenance. Weekly attention is vital. You will see your plants grow and you will be able to keep the weeds down.
We understand that life can get busy. If you feel you can’t keep up as you normally would, contact the site manager to discuss options.
Community tools and wheelbarrows are located in the shed near the hot house. Please return them clean after use. If you happen to break a tool (it does happen) let the site manager know. He will try to fix it or replace it.
Weeds should be either composted or thrown onto grass areas thinly where the mower will destroy them. It’s important to pull weeds in your plot before they go to seed.
Any plant waste that is not diseased or a “wicked weed” (kikuyu, couch grass and pampas lily of the valley) can be thrown into our compost bay. When using our big compost bays please follow the directions on the signs.
Improvements or installations on your plot should be made with a friendly consultation/chat with your neighbouring plot holders. Take into consideration a raised bed, trellis or bench overshadowing the plot next door for example.
All plots must be cleaned out at the end of the plot lease including plants, trellises, cages and soil from raised beds.
Quick tips
Organic gardening promotes and enhances natural diversity and biological cycles in our soil. Rather than relying on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, organic gardening is based on making the garden self-sufficient and sustainable. We use natural amendments to build our soil and plant health.
Always water in new transplants or seeds with a hose or watering can.
Use pea straw mulch or fabric cover to help reduce water evaporation from your soil.
Mulch also acts as an insulator in cold weather, a barrier to the sun in hot weather, and helps reduce weed seed germination.
Rotate the location of your plants each year to reduce the chance of diseases.
Sample garden timeline
There’s a rhythm to gardening, we embrace the seasons and are guided by these changes. Here’s a bit of an idea of what you might be doing at different times of the year.
July and August - Planning location, preparing infrastructure, research companion planting, purchase seeds and seed starting materials & season extenders.
September and October - Start seedlings, continue planning.
November - Soil prep, transplant, mulch.
December, January, February – Succession sow, transplant, harvest, maintenance including weeding, pest control, trellis, thinning, mulching, composting, turn over beds.
March and April – Enjoy last of harvest, remove dead plants, direct sow cool season plants, prepare for cold weather.
May and June – Clear out bed and amend soil. Enjoy any preserved food and rest!
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