How can I become a gardener at Charles Street Gardens?
Head to our JOIN page from our menu for all the different ways you can sign up and garden with us. To register for a raised bed you need to be a resident of Sunnyvale.
How long does it take to get a garden bed?
Depending on the time of year and how many people are on the Wait List, the wait time will vary. Our annual agreements end in August and new agreements are issued in September of each year. We email our Waitlist registrants and invite them to attend our CSG 101 class which is a simple introductory tour of our garden. You must RSVP and then attend the CSG 101 class in order to become a new gardener. We honor the date order in which you first joined our waitlist + attended CSG 101 class – this is what we use when allocating new beds and is fairly adhered to. It may seem impossible, but it’s not! Gardeners move away, change cities or change their minds each year so feel free to apply.
We encourage you to sign up and join our garden, we know you’ll love it!
If I am on the waiting list, when can I start gardening?
The great news is …. immediately! You can join the GROUP GARDEN while you wait or you and your entire family can participate in our Second Saturday Work days as a garden voluunteer.
How much does it cost for a garden bed?
We have a few different annual fee options:
4’W x 16’L Regular beds = $100.00 annual fee
4’W x 8’L Hi-Rise Accessible beds = $60.00 annual fee
The Group Garden = $100.00 annual fee and consists of 4 x super-sized beds that are shared amongst the group.
*Water, seasonal compost and mulch are included.
For any additional questions about fees or payment, email the Application Coordinator through our contact page.
What can I grow?
We encourage growing crops year round. Most of our gardeners grow vegetables, flowers and herbs that they use for personal use. We also have a community herb garden, fruit trees and vines and plenty of flowers and natives to attract essential pollinators! To ensure the maintenance of our beloved raised beds, trees + perennial vines cannot be planted directly in the beds. Mint must be contained in a pot. No lavender or rosemary
Do you have volunteer opportunities for non-Sunnyvale residents, student or corporate groups?
Yes! We always have plenty of projects and opportunties for the community to work and volunteer with us and we encourage you to get in touch with us anytime!
Please email our Garden Co-ordinators listed on our contact page + include your group numbers, any date requests and a brief description of your interests or project.
When can I visit the garden?
We are a 100% volunteer run community garden, check out our Garden Calendar on our Home Page for Open Garden Fridays, Master Gardener Tuesdays, Second Saturday Workdays and Thursday Summer Workdays!
Still have a question about Charles Street Gardens?
Feel free to ask us a question, send us your thoughts, enquire about donating to our partner organization or discuss a project idea! We’d love to hear from you.