There are many activities and events for gardening enthusiasts and the public around
Melbourne. My Smart Garden is an excellent example of a free program that helps people grow food, create homes for wildlife, recycle wastes and use water wisely. While the program is primarily caters for residents of Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong or Moonee Valley City Council areas, its events and activities are open to the general public. Here are some of the FREE 'green' workshops to keep adults and kids busy.
11 June - Edible Weeds
Who knew weeds could be edible and also tasty, nutritious and have medicinal properties.? You'll be able to find out more thanks to this workshop. It seems Melbourne is home to many edible weeds like violets, dandelions, mallow, wild radish and acorn. You will learn how to identify them, where to find them and the best ways to use them in the kitchen. Click
here to reserve your space.
Time: 10am - 12pm
Venue: Maidstone Child & Family Centre
Address: 23 Burns St, Maidstone VIC 3012
27 August - Propagation Workshop and Gardening Swap
Head over to
Williamstown for a workshop that will help you create your own edible garden at low or no cost. Participants will also be swapping seeds, plants, cuttings and produce with each other. The workshop focuses on using seeds, cutting and division to grow plants. You'll even be able to take home some varieties of vegetables and grow your own gifts in time for
Christmas. Click
here to reserve your space.
Time: 2pm - 5pm
Venue: Williamstown Church of Christ
Address: 119 Douglas Pde Williamstown, Melbourne, VIC 3016
24 September - Tomatoes Masterclass
Tomatoes are popular ingredients in many cultural cuisines and any decent vegetable patch can't be without a plant or two. Join this workshop to learn more about managig pests and diseases and improving soil health to help prepare for your tomato harvest in summer. Click
here to reserve your space.
Time: 10am - 11.30am
Venue: South Kingsville Community Centre
Address: 43 Paxton St South Kingsville, VIC 3015 - View Map
24 September - Worm Farming
Kids and adults alike can learn more about worms in this unsual workshop. You'll learn about the different types of worms, best ways to care for them and recycle their castings in your garden. You'll also learn how to build a worm farm that can help recycle your food scraps and produce free organic fertiliser. If you're squeamish about worms, this workshop may help change your mind. Click
here to reserve your space
Time: 2pm - 3.30pm
Venue: South Kingsville Community Centre
Address: 43 Paxton St, South Kingsville, VIC 3018
9 October - Keeping Chickens
Don't rush off to buy some live chickens at
Queen Victoria Market without first attending this workshop. You'll learn how to rare chickens using low cost and low maintenance methods that will result in delicious eggs. You'll also learn how to mobilise the chickens as your garden workforce to control pest and provide organic fertiliser. Click
here to reserve your space.
Time: 10am - 1pm
Venue: Altona Meadows Primary School
Address: Alma Avenue, Altona Meadows, VIC 3028
