Getting Started

Thank you for signing up to volunteer with us!

  • The garden is open every day during daylight hours, and volunteers are welcome to visit whenever it fits their schedule.

  • Turlock Community Gardens is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit community garden located in the back parking lot at 4105 Crowell Rd., behind Jessica’s House and Cornerstone Covenant Church.

  • If the parking lot entrance is roped off, don't worry.

    The rope is simply clipped in place and is not locked.

    Feel free to unclip it, drive in and park closer to the garden, then reclip it when you leave.

    You're also welcome to park outside the entrance and walk in if you prefer.

  • Need volunteer hours for school, work, court, scholarships, or community service requirements?

    Click here to view our check-in process and volunteer hour verification requirements.

Garden Tasks & Projects

  • We’re taking apart old irrigation lines to reuse what we can for new garden beds.

    A coupling is a small plastic connector that joins two pieces of tubing together. Your role is to remove these couplings from the lines. If a coupling is cracked or damaged, please discard it. If it’s still in good condition, set it aside for reuse.

    Once the lines are separated, sort the tubing into groups:

    • Long & Short

    • Tubing with holes (emitters) vs. tubing without holes

    These materials will be salvaged and used to build new irrigation systems throughout the garden.

    Thank you for your help!

  • We are assembling new garden beds to match the surrounding bed styles.

    Boards will be pre-cut and screws will be available on site. 4x4s will need to be measured and cut to size. This task is best for volunteers who are comfortable using tools and lining up wood.

    Align the boards to match the height and layout of nearby beds, then cut the 4x4s as needed and secure everything together using screws. Take a moment to check that corners are square and the bed is level before fastening in place.

    These beds will be used for new gardeners and community programs.

    Thank you for your help.

  • Help keep the garden clean and welcoming by tidying the pathways.

    Pick up any trash, sticks, and debris throughout the walkways. Pull weeds growing in the pathways and along the edges, making sure to remove roots when possible so they don’t grow back.

    Collected debris can be placed in designated bins or piles on site.

    *Large Dumpster Container is for Green Water Only

    This helps keep the space safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.

    Note: Please do not enter garden beds or weed within them. Only the following beds need help with weeds inside the borders: E2, D2, A2, B1, C4, and J2.

    Thank you for your help!