Joe's Garden is Melbourne’s last surviving inner city market garden, having been farmed continuously for over 150 years. It's now farmed by CERES. Our two acre organic market garden is Melbourne’s last surviving inner city market garden, having been farmed continuously by Chinese and Italian gardeners for over 150 years.

In 2003 CERES began farming here under the guidance of Joe Garita, whose father bought the land in the 1920’s. Previously known as the Merri Creek Market Garden, Joe's Market Garden is our second certified organic farm growing organic herbs and vegetables.

It is named after the last owner of the land, Joe Garita... Family and friends remember Joe as a hardworking individual who was kind to everyone he encountered. His memory lives on in Joe’s Garden, which continues to flourish even after his passing. Joe’s wife, Jean Garita, believes that Joe would be proud of the work that continues in Joe’s Garden, as the garden continues to grow food and foster relationships, which were two of the most important aspects of Joe’s life.

Irrigation water is taken from the mains supply and a 100,000 litre underground water tank collects rainwater from neighbouring town houses. All produce grown is sold through our CERES Fair Food enterprise and can be found in delivery veggie boxes that you order. We have recently opened a farm gate stall each Saturday morning where you can buy direct from our resident farmer. So come on down and say hello!

Joe's Market Garden also doubles as a training space. Each year, students complete part of their training at the garden, gaining valuable hands-on work experience. Each week members of the local community volunteer helping to plant and harvest our produce. If you are interested in volunteering please see the CERES volunteer page for more information: http://ceres.org.au/volunteer/

We also have a corporate volunteer program with staff from different organisations joining us each week to escape the office, get their hands dirty and help us grow food for our community. To find out more about joining our corporate volunteer program please email Judy Glick – judy@ceres.org.au