A new project that creates edible home gardens is bringing new meaning to the phrase ‘reap what you sow’ for some residents of Greater Dandenong.

The Brumby Government, through the Dandenong Development Board has set up the edible gardens project to teach people to grow their fruit, vegetables and herbs in their own backyards.

Planning Minister Justin Madden dropped in to visit budding gardeners who were helping to transform Annmarie garden in New Street, Dandenong today.

“At the heart of any town or city is the community and the more people help and interact with each other, the stronger the community,” Mr Madden said.

“This project brings people together so they can help one another, and learn from each other in a relaxed garden setting.”

Mr Madden said the project was also great opportunity for people to produce cheap, healthy home grown vegetables, herbs and fruit as well as get together and have fun.

“In a time when food costs are on the rise and our waistlines are expanding, the edible gardens project couldn’t be timelier,” he said.

The project is for residents who want to set up edible gardens on their own properties.

Expert gardeners provide the necessary training in organic food growing and costs are minimised by using recycled materials and sharing resources with volunteers often bringing donations from their own gardens including seedlings and earthworms.

The garden design and help is free of charge and plants are provided by project sponsors Oasis Horticulture and Fleming’s Nurseries.

The project supports the Brumby Government’s $290 million commitment to Revitalising Central Dandenong, a Transit Cities initiative.

The Dandenong edible gardens project is supported by the City of Greater Dandenong.

To find out more or to get involved contact the Dandenong Development Board on 9238 4444.