The 2012 Spring Dig-In schedule is now set and registration is open!

Help us build and refurbish gardens around Austin by signing up for one or more Dig-In dates.

Blog entries: Spring Dig-in Follow-up and 2011 Fall Dig-ins

Green Corn Project is a volunteer-driven organization. We address issues of food security in Central Texas by building organic vegetable gardens at homes, schools, and community centers. During Dig-In events held each spring and fall, more than 100 volunteers work together with a trained Dig-In Leader and garden recipients to build these gardens.

For each Dig-In day, we need folks to help as Dig-In volunteers and Dig-In Leaders. Any Dig-In volunteer training you need will be provided on the day. You do not need to do anything in advance. For Dig-In Leaders, we offer additional, free hands-on training in the biointensive method. Click here to learn more about Dig-In Leader training.

You are welcome to bring your children to a Dig-In, but we ask that you accompany them at all times.

What to do on the Dig-In day

Before you leave the house

Please be sure to check the website and your e-mail both the night before and the morning of the Dig-In, as it is possible that we may need to reschedule because of weather, ground conditions, or other reasons.

Please bring sun protection, shoes with sturdy soles (digging in flip flops is no fun), water or other beverages, gardening gloves if you use them, and snacks or lunch if you want them. We will provide all the necessary tools and instruction, you do not need any prior training.

Plan on staying till 2pm, although most teams are able to finish before then.

When and where to meet up

We will meet at the Soma Vida building at 1210 Rosewood Avenue. Please arrive by 8:30am. We will assemble outside in the area behind the building.

There is not a sign out front that says "Green Corn Project", so look for the Soma Vida sign. This map and photo should help you find us.

If you come by car, please park in the surrounding neighborhood, not in the Soma Vida lot, and allow a little extra time in your schedule to find parking and then walk to Soma Vida.

If you bicycle, there is a bicycle rack on the east side of the building you can lock your bike to. Please do not chain your bicycle to the entrance ramp rails at the front or back entrances of Soma Vida, as this can block access.

Volunteer check-in

At Soma Vida, look for a person with a clipboard and please sign in. After everyone has assembled, you will be assigned to a Dig-In team and you and your team members will travel to the garden site(s) together. As requested above, please do not park in the Soma Vida lot, even during this assembly period before you travel to the Dig-In.

If you have an appropriate vehicle for it and would be willing to help transport tools and/or compost to the garden site(s), let us know when you sign in. If you speak Spanish and would be willing to help communicate with one of our Spanish-speaking gardeners if needed, please also let us know when you sign in.

We encourage carpooling and ridesharing among volunteers, so please speak up on the day if you have extra room and are willing to help transport other volunteers, or if you would like a ride from a team member to the garden site.

Dig-In archive:

Map of gardens built Blog entries: 2011 Spring more dig-ins 2011 Spring 2009 Spring April 2009 Spring March

Photo albums: 2009 Spring 2008 Spring 2007 Fall 2006 Fall