Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join?

Joining is easy. Read more about membership types and sign up here. (Please note, joining online requires payment by credit/debit card. Should you wish to use an alternative method for payment, please contact us at pcg@mail.tidyhq.com before completing the membership form.)

Is the garden open only to Pentridge residents? 

No! Anyone is welcome to join us.

Do I need to have gardening experience? 

No! We all bring different skills to the garden and we are looking forward to learning from each other.

How big is the space? 

The site is around 1500m2, of which 1250m2 is usable for gardening.

Can I volunteer my building/painting/woodworking skills? 

Yes! The garden is up and running, but it’s still a work in progress. We’ll continue to build and fill garden beds and complete the site over the coming months.

Can I have a private allotment? 

We have a handful of personal plots for Gardening Members who are interested in tending their own private space. We notify members periodically via email when these become available. An additional annual fee is charged for use of a personal plot.

Is the garden wheelchair accessible? 

The entrance to the garden is accessible from the footpath with a slight lip where the concrete ends. There are no steps in the garden, and the ground is made of gravel with some larger rocks that may be difficult to navigate. The shed (shipping container) is not wheelchair accessible.

Do you have a toilet onsite?

We have a portaloo on site. If you prefer a flushing toilet, please use the facilities over the road at Coburg Lake Reserve or at Pentridge Shopping Centre.

What can I put in the community garden compost?

You can compost fruit and vegetable scraps, tea bags, coffee grounds, pet and human hair, dried leaves, straw or hay, non-glossy paper (torn up) and cardboard (torn up).

When can I access the compost?

Members can access the compost around-the-clock, and anyone is welcome to drop off their compost during open garden sessions (or whenever the gate is open).

Can my restaurant/organisation contribute food waste?

No, sorry. We only have capacity for personal quantities of compost. 

When is the garden open?

The garden is open on Sunday, 10am to 1 pm in summer and 1 pm to 3 pm in winter. The change roughly coincides with daylight saving changes. Notification is done on our facebook page.