South Austin Community Garden

South Austin Community Garden
Location: 2800 S 5th St (south of the Denizen community)
Contact: southatxgarden@gmail.com
Website: https://sacg.dreamhosters.com


On a brisk and sunny January morning, Sev and I headed over to check out South Austin Community Garden (SACG), a treasured community resource situated just next to the Denizen on South 5th St in Galindo.

Cynthia Good, the Plot Rental Coordinator, had invited us to one of their community workdays so that we could meet members and learn more about the gardens.

Cynthia greeted us when we arrived, welcoming us right in and introducing us to the other SACG members present for the workday. The mood was warm, light, and casual. One gardener, a nearby resident, showed up ready to go, coffee mug in hand. Another gardener had just come in from a long flight–that very morning!–but still ready and eager to contribute.

Within these few moments I could already tell: community is clearly at the heart of this garden.


After making acquaintances with a few of the volunteers, I began asking my (admittedly) amateurish gardening questions. Everyone thoughtfully and patiently answered. 

For example, I learned that it is possible to grow all year round in Austin, making our city one of the best places for avid gardeners to live. Leafy greens, root vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and kale) do particularly well during our cooler months. Come Austin summer, peppers are your best bet but you might also try your luck with other heat-loving vegetables like okra and basil. Just be sure to provide the basil plenty of water!


As it turns out, the community gardeners weren’t the only volunteers I would meet that day. Some volunteers come in the form of plants! As Cynthia explained, “Nature provides many edible and medicinal plants like dandelions, purslane, cleavers, chickweed and many others that are surprises.” She gets excited when she sees these welcome “volunteers” pop up. In fact, it’s one of her favorite things about gardening.


Community Thrives at SACG


No one exemplifies the community spirit more than Philip Koske, an SACG gardener since 2019 and a longtime Galindo resident. One of his goals in joining was to expand his children’s exposure to the diverse world that exists beyond their immediate family. The gardens have enabled his family to meet people of all different ages and from all different walks of life. As Philip put it, “I see the social aspect of the garden and the actual gardening as equally important.”


SACG also provided Philip and his family a welcome refuge during COVID. It proved to be a unique place where they could get out of the house and contribute something of value to the community. Said Philip, “I think some of the extreme climate events and general instability in the world should make us value our neighbors and community spaces even more. We are stronger together. It is important for our kids to see us participating in things, building community, talking to people and otherwise making the world smaller.”

Cynthia herself has a long history with SACG. As a Native Texan, a health and wellness specialist, and a healer, she began gardening at SACG in February 2001. On that fortunate day, Cynthia was driving along South 5th St when she saw signs for the garden and decided to pull over. She signed up for a plot on the spot.


Cynthia’s prior gardening experiences had prepared her well. Notably, her many travels have taken her to other gardens in the US. She once went on a month-long “Care-A-Van” adventure through the Pacific Northwest to visit organic gardens and farms with Rosemary Gladstar’s California School of Herbal Studies. She was also at one time a part of the grassroots organization San Francisco League of Urban Gardeners which provided the local community with education and employment opportunities. 

Over the years Cynthia has held various leadership positions with SACG, most recently taking on the Plot Rental Coordinator role in January 2023. With it she has also taken on the mantle to preserve the history and legacy of this South Austin gem.


History of SACG


Incredibly, South Austin Community Garden just celebrated its 30-year anniversary. Founded in January 1994 by Renee Fuqua, the gardens emphasize organic methods and fellowship. In fact, the use of synthetic pesticides and chemicals is prohibited. Said Renee in a 2012 interview with Foodways Texas, “You feed the soil, it will feed you.”

The gardens used to sit near the corner of Cumberland and South 5th St at the site of its former sponsor, the Salvation Army. For nearly 20 years, SACG enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with the Salvation Army, often partnering on community events and donating food to their kitchen.

“You feed the soil, it will feed you.”

– Renee Fuqua


When the property was sold to develop the Denizen, the developer agreed to move the gardens, soil and all, to a new location. Construction meant that the gardeners went on a couple year hiatus from 2011-2013, after which they got back to work in its current spot at 2800 S 5th St.

SACG is now sponsored by the Sustainable Food Center. Day to day operations are run by a team of enthusiastic volunteers.

SACG welcomes gardeners of any level, including beginners. They encourage all gardeners to try their best and embrace the spirit of learning. They also require a minimum number of community hours (at least 1 hour per month) to help with the upkeep of the common areas.


Get Involved!


Meeting the gardeners of SACG was an inspiring and humbling experience. For those looking to advance their gardening skills and connect more deeply with their neighbors, I cannot recommend SACG enough.

You can get involved by renting a plot or by taking on a community leadership role. Note that you must be a member to gain access to the gardens. Prospective gardeners are welcome to arrange a tour with Cynthia by e-mailing her at southatxgarden@gmail.com.


Plot Rental Details

  • 33 plots in total
  • Plots range in size from half a plot (6×16.5 ft) to a full plot (6×20, 6×24, 6×26, or 6×33 ft)
  • Plots currently rent from $35-$69 per year depending on size
  • 12 Community hours required per year


In the event that there are no available plots, you can join the waiting list.

SACG is also looking for a Community Workday Coordinator to oversee the first Saturday all garden member workday. Additional opportunities exist to help with administration duties, communications, and website development and maintenance.

To Learn More about South Austin Community Garden or to apply: southatxgarden@gmail.com / https://sacg.dreamhosters.com



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