Following a successful first year season, the Growing For Health teaching gardens are returning this spring to meet the growing demand.

Manukau Parks has established teaching gardens at different parks around Manukau to help teach residents basic gardening techniques that can be taken back to the home.

Beginning Labour Weekend, the summer course will be delivered at two new sites: Mangere Centre Park-Papatuanuku Marae and East Tamaki Domain in Otara. This is in addition to existing plots at: Old School Reserve in Mangere, Middlemore Reserve and Stadium Reserve in Papatoetoe, and Walter Massey Park in Mangere East.

Plots are allocated to an individual or a group to grow vegetables for a season, says Robert Findlay, manager parks recreation for Manukau Parks.

“They will be taught a range of skills from seed germination through to harvesting.

“The 20-week course will prepare the participants to a level where they can grow their own fruit and vegetables at home.

“Access to a gardening plot is free, and all resources such as teaching instructor, tools, gardening book, seeds, plants and diary are supplied. Also, participants can keep the produce. They'll also have free membership of the soon-to-be-launched 'gardening, laughter and food processing club' at Stadium Reserve.”

The Growing For Health project supports Let’s Beat Diabetes initiative of Counties Manukau District Health Board.

Any interested group, family or individual over 18 can apply.   For more information about joining the programme as a learner or a teacher, please contact Parks Booking Officer on 09 263 7100 ext 8750 or email colin.foster@manukau.govt.nz.