Become a Gardener

Want to be part of The Spring Gardens?

Garden membership is extended to residents that live in the garden boundaries: 

  • North side of Spring Garden St, to the South side of Fairmount Ave

  •  West side of Broad St. to the Schuylkill River

To join the waitlist for a garden plot, please email TSG Plot Assignment Committee at plotassignment@thespringgardens.org. Please make sure to include 2 documents to verify your address (i.e. a license and a bill). You will not be added to the waitlist if we do not receive proof of address.

Please note:

  • Waitlist is typically about 3-5 years to get a plot. Please only apply if you plan on living in the spring garden boundaries for the duration of the waitlist. You can check your spot in the waitlist by going to our Waitlist page.

  • New plot assignments occur in the spring, after we determine plot availability.

  • The Plot Assignment Committee will email people on the waiting list to invite them to join the garden.

  • Invitations are sent based on the date of first inquiry to join the garden (those who have been on the list the longest will be invited first).

  • The potential gardener must still live within the garden boundaries at time of plot assignment and attend an orientation before being assigned a garden plot.

 

How long does it take to become a member?

It varies from year to year, depending on how many openings we have in the spring.  On average, new members have been on the waiting list for about a two years. 

What does it cost to be a member?

Fees are set by plot size, and for 2024 they are:

  • 10’x10′ = $40 per year                       

  • 10’x20′ = $80 per year

These fees are paid at the annual signup meetings in February. Fees are subject to change every year.

Do I have to complete volunteer hours ahead of applying?

No, but you are welcome to join us and help us (we always need volunteers!). 

Volunteering Requirements once you are a garden member:

Once you become a garden member you must complete your Gardener Volunteer commitment, which consists of ONE week of chores that need to be done during the week, AND one Saturday workday 9:30 AM-12:00 PM.

  • The chore week requires a few hours to either weed, put garden trash curbside on Sunday evening, or clean up the outside perimeter (raking leaves, etc) once during that week. 

  • The Saturday workdays are held once or twice a month - depending on the amount of work or task that needs to be done during that time. Sign-up for a work day and the work week is mandatory. You will sign up for these at the garden signup, and you will be reminded of them ahead of time as well.

Please remember that even if you don't live in these boundaries, or you are not interested in becoming a gardener, you're still welcomed to join us for our community events. We look forward to meeting you!