General News
22 May, 2026
Green thumbs invited to garden event
Maryborough Community Garden hope their event this weekend can remove all seeds of doubt for anyone thinking of starting a vegetable garden.
The group’s Jim Richardson has recently seen a vast range of produce that can be easily grown in the Central Goldfields’s climate, even across all seasons.
“We have had a lot of success this year with capsicums, zucchini’s, and we are hoping to have spring beans and broad bean … now we are growing sweet peas,” he said.
“Growing your own food is also going to save you money.”
His group even has plans to plant a sensory garden in the future with a range of herbs and snow peas.
Designed for beginners and those looking to build their confidence and skills, the free workshop this weekend will cover the basics to encourage locals to start a garden with vegetables just like these.
Attendees will receive guidance on choosing the best location for a garden, improving soil quality, selecting suitable vegetables for the season, and understanding planting timelines for optimal growth.
A highlight of the workshop is the hands-on planting activity, where participants will sow their own seedlings during the session. These will be cared for at the garden and ready for collection a few weeks later, giving attendees a head start on their home gardening journey.
Maryborough Community Garden member Anne Jackson feels the collaboration among gardeners is also essential to success in growing produce.
“This workshop is a great opportunity to pass on our knowledge to people who are perhaps are a bit frightened of trying it and don’t think they have a green thumb,” she said.
Healthy Loddon Campaspe’s Alysha Gourley also highlighted the broader benefits of the initiative.
“This workshop is a fantastic opportunity for people to build confidence in growing their own food. Not only does gardening support physical and mental wellbeing, but it also helps people connect with their local community and access fresh, nutritious produce at home,” she said.
All participants will be provided with morning tea, as well as other items they can use to get their gardening going at home.
The free workshop stems from a partnership between the State Government’s Healthy Loddon Campaspe program, the Maryborough Community Garden and council.
The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts in the region to promote healthy lifestyles, sustainable living, and community connection, making gardening accessible to people of all ages and experience levels.
The ‘Dig in! How to Start Your Vegetable Garden’ workshop will be held this Sunday, May 24, from 10 am to 12 pm.
No registration is required.