Do I need any experience to join?
Not at all. Most of our members started with very little. The monthly workshops cover the basics, and there is almost always someone on site who can answer a question. Gerald alone has forgotten more about growing than most of us will ever learn. We do ask that you show up for your plot, though. A neglected bed affects the whole site.
How long is the waiting list?
It moves faster than people expect. We typically have turnover at the end of each season in November, and we allocate new plots in February and March. If you join the waiting list now, there is a reasonable chance of a plot by next spring. Community share memberships are usually available sooner.
Can I grow whatever I want on my plot?
Mostly yes. The main rules are: no synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, no invasive species (we had a mint situation in 2021 that we do not talk about), and nothing that will shade neighbouring plots unreasonably. Tall plants like sweetcorn and climbing beans need to go on the north side of your bed. Everything else is up to you.
What happens if I go on holiday?
Tell us before you go and we will organise watering cover from other members. It is part of how the collective works. In return, you will cover for someone else at some point. Most people find this is one of the best parts of membership: you come back from two weeks away to find your courgettes have been harvested and left in a bag by your shed.
Is the site accessible?
We have four raised beds at a height suitable for wheelchair users and people who cannot easily kneel or bend. The main path through the site is compacted gravel, which is manageable for most mobility aids. If you have specific access needs, email us before visiting and we will make sure the right bed is available.