It's an easy concept that can be achieved with even the smallest backyard or courtyard with fantastic results. It allows people not only to grow their own food but also to consider the whole cycle of food growing - their scraps can be composted, and then used to grow more food. Also, when people grow their own food, they are more likely to care about how all of their food is produced.

What are the benefits of growing fruit or vegetables at home?

There are multiple benefits:

Reduced waste through composting food scraps and garden waste and re-using on the garden.

Reduced ecological footprint as residents harvest their own produce rather than purchasing from afar.

Healthier residents from eating fresh produce and getting active in the garden.

Increased links with the community by swapping excess produce, skills, seeds and equipment with neighbours or other local residents.

Children see the link between food production and the table, and it encourages kids to eat more healthy foods.

Why should people take part in the sessions? What will they take away from the experience?

All the community harvest events are free and will include a mix of workshop and demonstration sessions with guest speakers and the opportunity to buy products such as seeds and gardening necessities. Demonstrations will include how to develop a no-dig garden and examples of the variety of compost methods available.

How did the community harvest come about?

The idea came from a successful program running in the Shire of Yarra Ranges. The community harvest there involved meetings to encourage people to work together to deal with the twin issues of peak oil and climate change in relation to food security. Here at Casey, we preferred a hands-on approach to equip people with the necessary skills to grow their own food at home. It can be cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and the food grown can be healthier and tastier than produce that has been shipped long distances.

The Casey community harvest is from 10am-4pm on:

July 11 at Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre.

July 18 at Pearcedale farmers market (from 9am-1pm).

July 25 at Oakgrove Community Centre.

To become involved as a stallholder at one of the sessions, email alane@casey.vic.gov.au