Do you have a green thumb or a keen interest in growing fresh food? The City of Whittlesea is offering a helping hand to set up new community gardens as part of their Gardening Together Again program.

The 10-week training program is designed to encourage locals to reconnect and will provide participants with the skills and knowledge to create and maintain a thriving community garden in their local area.

Getting out in nature is so beneficial for mental health, with community gardens providing an important and inclusive space for people to connect. In these beautiful green spaces, gardeners can get practical advice and guidance, physical and recreational opportunities, and make a valuable contribution to the local community through the provision of fresh, affordable food.

Establishing a community garden from scratch may seem quite daunting, even to the most avid gardener! But this comprehensive program is designed to provide support and help guide participants through the set-up process.

The program, delivered by non-profit Cultivating Community, will cover topics including how to set up a new community garden, how to obtain resources and write grant applications, how to set up good management structures and how to use social media to support your group.

Participants will also be able to apply for seed funding for a small garden infrastructure project as well as funding for a celebratory event with the community.

If you’re a budding garden guru keen to get involved, the program will run from April to June 2022. To apply, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/communitygarden. Applications close Wednesday 23 March.