Retirement village residents grow veggies for City Mission

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Central Leader

Residents at a central Auckland retirement village are growing vegetables and donating them to the Auckland City Mission.

Selwyn Heights Village gardener Pat Tunstall is encouraging residents to take part to help connect people isolated in the Covid-19 lockdown.

National Gardening Week’s “grow to give” competition officially begins on Labour Weekend and competitors will photograph their failures and successes.

“We’ve got people growing their extra row in the garden, balcony pots and troughs. As long as there’s a bit of dirt, there’s a potential crop of veggies,” Tunstall said.

“Already voices can be heard on balconies starting the journey of caring for their seeds in the most suitable pot or trough sought from those recycled in our nursery. It’s got people sharing a common goal, communicating and having a laugh.”

The competition ends in February and surplus fresh vegetables will be given to the City Mission.

Participants will grow an extra row of vegetables and donate the yields to a local food distribution organisation.

Register online at the link below between October 1 and 25 to receive a free pack of veggie seeds.