From the tiniest earthworm to the juiciest cucumber, community gardens are more than just a convenient location to experiment with a green thumb.

They can be places of learning, a spot of quiet contemplation or even a savings tool for the frugal vegetable lover looking to trim the grocery budget. So it comes as no surprise that there is a demand in Bend for community garden plots this spring.

Here’s a list of community gardens in Bend, instructions on how to obtain a plot and information about fees and registration deadlines.

Central Oregon Master Gardener Association

While all four community gardens in Bend — Hollinshead Park Community Garden, Miller’s Landing Community Garden, Discovery Park Community Garden and Franklin’s Corner Community Garden — give preference to returning gardeners, there’s still a chance for the aspirating planter to earn a plot through the Central Oregon Master Gardener Association’s annual lottery.

The lottery, which allocates unclaimed plots at Discovery Park Community Garden, formerly known as NorthWest Crossing Community Garden, and Hollinshead Park Community Garden, closes on March 30 and March 31, respectively.

To register for the lottery at Hollinshead, participants must email hollinshead@gocomga.com and include their full names, phone numbers and email addresses.

To register for the Discovery Park lottery, email discovery@gocomga.com with the same information. Only one entry per household is allowed.

Master gardeners will draw as many names as there are plots available once registration closes. Anyone whose name is not drawn will be put on a waiting list in case any plots become available during the growing season.

After winning the lottery, the gardener must register the plot and pay the corresponding fees. Hollinshead Park Community Garden plots cost $35 for a 10-foot-by-10-foot plot and $45 for a 10-by-15-foot, while a raised 4-foot-by-10-foot bed at Discovery park costs $35 for the season.

For more information on what can be grown at Hollinshead Park and Discovery Park community gardens, as well as other regulations, visit the Central Oregon Master Gardener Association’s website.

Miller’s Landing Community Garden

Miller’s Landing Community Garden is located at 55 NW Riverside Blvd., near the intersection of Riverside Boulevard and NW Carlon Avenue. While it’s officially operated by the Bend Park & Recreation District, the 4.7- acre garden is managed independently by plot owners. Gardeners are required to volunteer two hours per month and accept shared responsibility of the common areas.

Plots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, but priority is given to residents who live within a half-mile of the garden. Fees are $15 for a half-bed and $25 for a full bed.

Interested parties should inquire directly about plot availability by contacting millerlandingcommunitygarden@gmail.com.

Franklin’s Corner Community Garden

Franklin’s Corner Community Garden is run by the city of Bend and is an entirely organic community garden with sustainable irrigation. It’s located at the intersection of NE Ninth Street and NE Franklin Avenue, and primarily serves the Larkspur community. It’s open to the entire neighborhood to care for and utilize for free, year-round, but does have plots available for rent during the growing season.

To request a plot, residents must fill out a plot request form that will be released by the city at noon on April 8. If plots are available, they will be assigned on May 4, and potential gardeners will be notified which plots are open and where they are on the waiting list. Plots are allocated on a first-come, first served basis, but previous gardeners and residents living in the Larkspur area are given priority.

The seasonal fee for Franklin’s Corner is $25 for a 10-foot-by-10-foot bed. There are also 10-foot-by-3-foot plots for applicants with limited mobility or other disabilities for $15.

In addition to seasonal plots, there is also the opportunity for residents to volunteer at the garden or sponsor a plot for those who don’t have the ability or means to garden for themselves.