AT one time the only thing served there was tennis balls. But soon at OxGrow community garden you’ll be able to cook and dish out your own pizza.

The Hogacre Common plot, at the old Corpus Christi sportsground in central Oxford, was transformed from two worn-out tennis courts in 2011 into a thriving community garden.

And next Saturday, March 16, it will be one of several areas across Oxfordshire opened to the public as part of the Big Dig Day.

OxGrow volunteer Andy Williamson, 28, of Oxford, said: “We want to get as many people involved as we can.

“Bring clothes you won’t mind getting muddy though.

“We’re experimenting with organic, climate-friendly growing techniques, and harnessing local knowledge to dabble with produce you won’t find in the shops – orange potatoes, quinoas, which are grain-crops, everything.

“We have dedicated officers but everyone has a voice and everyone has a say on what we grow.

“We’ve got about 15 people coming down who’ve never been involved before but obviously we want as many people as we can.”

Four special projects are being undertaken on Big Dig Day at OxGrow; the installation of a compost toilet, creating flood-proof raised beds, making a plastic bottle greenhouse and building an outdoor pizza oven from clay, straw and bricks.

Volunteers are also welcome at Barracks Lane Community Garden in East Oxford.

The former waste-filled garage site was converted into a garden in 2007.

It is used by the community for picnics, parties, events and workshops.

Last year it hosted its first piece of out-door theatre.

Volunteer Fiona Mullins said the Big Dig Day would see a seed-swap taking place.

She said all were welcome to take part and choose some vegetable and flower seeds to try growing at home.

Peter Lefort, project officer for the community action group project which is co-ordinating Oxford’s involvement, said: “The Big Dig is a really positive way to bring both a new audience to many of the city’s fantastic community projects as well as offering new, exciting and fun opportunities to people who often don’t feel included in their own communities.

“We’ve seen the amazing things which have already been achieved by Oxford’s volunteers, so it’s incredibly exciting to think what could happen with even more people of all ages and backgrounds getting involved.”

For more information visit bigdig.org.uk/oxford