Established in 1985, Geelong West Community Garden is a multi-generational place for food growing, learning and social connection. Some members have tended plots for more than 30 years, while new members continue to bring fresh energy to the garden.
As part of a major redevelopment in 2024, 168 Foodcube wicking beds were installed. The project allowed the garden to continue growing fresh food after lead contamination was identified in the site soil, with the Foodcubes providing a contained growing environment above the existing ground. The raised modular design has also improved accessibility, created more consistent growing conditions and made better use of the available space.
Foodcube’s built-in reservoirs water plants from below, helping reduce evaporation and maintain consistent moisture. Since the Foodcubes were introduced, the garden’s water use has approximately halved, falling from 450 kilolitres in 2023–24 to 215 kilolitres in 2024–25. During this time, membership has increased by 25%, with members reporting strong, fast-growing crops and bumper harvests.
Fresh vegetables are enjoyed by garden members, with surplus produce shared beyond the garden gate through the Geelong West Neighbourhood House Community Kitchen and local food relief pathways, including Foodbank. As the garden continues to develop, the Foodcubes are helping it grow more food, welcome more members and increase the amount of fresh produce shared with the wider community.
Why Foodcube works for community gardens
Foodcube systems are well suited to community food-growing projects, offering improved accessibility, flexible modular layouts and reduced watering requirements. Their self-watering design supports more consistent growing conditions, while the contained beds allow communities to grow safely above poor, difficult or contaminated soils.
Planning a community garden or food-growing project? Talk to Foodcube about a system designed for your site and community.