Water Conservation Garden
Come and Witness Water Conservation Practices for Home Gardeners at their Best!
UC Master Gardeners and Pacific Oaks Community Garden are creating a Water Conservation Garden and Educational Center for the home gardener. We are experimenting with new and old technologies to collect and save water to support in-ground, low-water-use gardens and grow vegetables in raised beds! The garden has been steadily evolving through an all-volunteer effort since the partnership began in 2022.
Monthly Work Parties in the Garden - Join Us!
Come see how we collect and use rainwater and solar power in the garden. On the second Saturday of every month we welcome you to join us in our work parties from 9:00 am through 12:00 pm. Stop by any time!
Scroll down for address and map.
Next Up: You're Invited! Public Workshop!
Make Your Own Self-Watering Planter
Saturday, May 30th, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
We invite you to participate in a unique workshop to make and take home your own self-watering planter.
REGISTER NOW! (you must register to attend)
What are the benefits of self-watering systems?
- Self-watering systems use an average of 50% less water.
- The plants grow better when they have a constant water source.
- You don't have to water as often, so you have less work.
- Going on vacation? No worries about those veggies getting watered.
It's a win-win all around.
What will you learn?
A team of UC Master Gardeners will provide you with instructions and a little of the science used to make these systems work. The tools and materials needed for this workshop will be provided. You will go home with a lightweight planter ready to fill with soil, your choice of plants and, of course, water.
The planters will be made from recycled plastic livestock mineral tubs. These tubs have been donated by a local goat-grazing service, called Goats ‘R’ Us. The knowledge you gain in this workshop will allow you to make self-watering planters from a variety of materials.
Is there a cost?
The workshop is free. But registration is required because space and materials are limited. We will take signups on a "first-come-first-served" basis. Click the "REGISTER NOW!" link below to register.
Come with only your enthusiasm, and leave with your self-watering planter ready to be put to use in your garden.
REGISTER NOW! (you must register to attend)
Summer Speaker Series - Talks in the Garden
Saturday, June 27 - Water Conservation Ideas in Action
What if we told you that mulch could cut your water use by at least a third and build soil that resists both drought and deluge? Join us as we share simple, water-conserving actions you can take to ensure thriving and bountiful gardens, no matter how little or how much water shows up.
Saturday, July 25 - Gardening with CA Natives/Pollinator Gardens
Description will be posted in early July
Saturday, August 22 - Container Gardening: Edible Plants in Small Spaces
Description will be posted in early August
Saturday, September 26 - Seed Saving
Description will be posted in early September
Check Out Our Self-Watering Planter Made from a Stock Tank!
In July 2025, we converted a galvanized stock tank into a sub-irrigated planter. We have a mockup of one on the site with all the materials.
Here is the HANDOUT from the 2025 public workshop.
We have self-watering planters, rain barrels, and cisterns aplenty. Come and discover with us!
ADDRESS OF THE GARDEN
7250 Portola Drive, El Cerrito
(former Portola Middle School)
Come up Moeser from San Pablo Avenue
Turn left at Navellier.
Turn left at Portola.
Have Questions?
Contact us at:
Pacific Oaks Community Garden
pacificoakscg@gmail.com