Learn 

About the Garden

How did the garden get started?

The Eastside Sprout is a Community Garden established in 2010 in the Dignowity Hill neighborhood, on the east side of San Antonio, Texas. ESCG is located on the corner of N Olive and Lamar, on the SW corner of the Ella Austin Community Center. 

With whom is the garden affiliated?

Our community garden is affiliated with the Ella Austin Community Center. 

How is the garden funded?

The garden is funded by donations and grants.  

How does the garden work? How do you divide up the beds?

Everyone volunteering shares the beds.  We do not divide them by family or participant. By sharing, we get lots of delicious variety, less plant duplication, and a greater sense of community as we work together. We rotate crops regularly to optimize soil health. 

How is the harvest divided up?

The harvest is divided among volunteers during garden work days. In other words, work days are harvest days. 

How does watering work?

We use a drip irrigation system and hand-held watering. 

Who decides what to plant?

Our master gardeners plan the garden seasonally with input from other volunteers. This planting guide is a helpful tool. 

Is the garden organic?

We use organic gardening practices, organic pest control measures, and organic fertilizers in the garden beds. Not every seed or plant we purchase is organic.  Sometimes we need to use conventional means to maintain the surrounding grounds and keep them free of pests. 

Volunteering and Supporting the Garden

How can I become a volunteer?

Come to a work day!  

Volunteer Work Days: Sundays

The timing may vary with the seasons and daylight. Checking the newsletter and Telegram is a good way to stay current. Everyone is welcome anytime, regardless of experience. 

What kind of jobs do volunteers do? 

Volunteers maintain the garden beds and do outreach activities.  Our maintenance activities include:

•  planting and weeding (Bermuda grass can always be pulled from the bed areas)

• maintaining the compost bins

• mowing and edging around the beds as well as the entire property

• keeping the fruit trees mulched and pruned

• watering using drip irrigation and hand-held hoses

• maintaining the picnic tables and the Little Free Library

When I come to help, what should I bring?

Please bring water, sunscreen, insect repellant, close-toed shoes, garden hand tools (clippers, small shovels) and gloves. 

Are kids welcome?

Yes! We love having kids help with the supervision of a participating adult. There is almost always a kid-friendly job to do. 

Digging isn't my thing, but I love the idea of the garden. How can I participate?

• Enjoy the garden as a park. Walk around, see its beauty, observe the birds and butterflies that call it home. 

• Enjoy a book from the Little Free Library under the shade of the big Cedar Elm tree. Donate a book to the library. 

• Provide material for the compost bins.

• Donate tools in good working condition or materials.

• Make needed repairs to raised beds, drip irrigation, water catchment system, and compost bins.

• Financially support the garden's work. We're always making improvements so our community can enjoy the space.  To make a financial donation, please contact us.

Education

I saw a really cool plant at the garden, and I'd like to know what it is! 

Our efforts include educational outreach, too! Please join us on a volunteer day and we'll do our best to answer your questions. 

Does the garden host educational activities?

Yes!  Local schools or groups often visit the garden to inspire knowledge and love for nature. If you'd like to schedule a visit, please contact us.  We also host learning events for the community.  We'd love to meet you and have you learn alongside us!

What if I have a concern about the garden?

We want to hear from you. Please contact us with your thoughts and suggestions.