Yarra Ranges residents can tap into a new program to help them grow fresh food in their own back yards.
The Yarra Ranges and Knox councils have partnered to present the Gardens for Harvest program.
Residents can sign up to learn about food gardening and sustainability and attend workshops to learn practical skills.
Upper Ferntree Gully resident Jasmin Thomas signed up to the program in Knox, which started in 2014, and has since learnt plenty of hands-on growing skills.
“Through the workshops we learned about the composting process, how to maintain soil health, about growing edible plants from seeds and pruning fruit trees,” Ms Thomas said.
“I now understand what foods can be easily grown and about soil conditions in this region.
“It was great to link up with other people in the community with similar interests.”
Ms Thomas has volunteered on food projects in the hills, including the Tecoma FLAME community garden.
The council will launch the Gardens for Harvest program at the Starting your Spring vegetable garden workshop on Thursday 16 August.
Residents who sign up to the program will receive a welcome kit and home growing guide; a monthly digital newsletter with updates about growing and caring for their fruit and vegetable garden, seasonal recipes and handy tips; and information on upcoming food gardening workshops and local growing groups.
Sign up to the program from Wednesday 1 August at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/gardensforharvest.
Starting your Spring vegetable garden will run from 7pm to 9pm in the Upwey Community Hall at Sherbrooke Family and Children’s Centre, 1443 Burwood Highway, Upwey.
My Green Garden vegie-growing expert Maria Ciavarella will share tips on how to start a veggie garden and what to plant in spring to create a bountiful garden over the summer months.
Bookings are essential. Visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/events for more information.
