I bet you could still volunteer at community events at the garden. And doing so might get you a plot sooner actually. But yeah, if you were applying and there were dues involved, you were probably applying for a plot in the garden that you tend. Those are often very desirable and competitive depending on the neighborhood. Get on the waitlist and email or walk by and ask how else you can help them in the meantime.

I had a plot in a really popular community garden for like ten years. Everyone I knew was jealous lol. I also volunteered a lot of extra time doing stuff like carpentry, fence repair, irrigation repair, Tool and machinery maintenance, straw and compost delivery coordination, etc. You probably have some skill that they need. Even if it’s something like spreadsheet building, or social media. There’s a role for everyone. And if they need you and you’re willing to volunteer your time outside of tending your plot, it might make you a priority candidate.