Just a month after the first vegetable beds were constructed, 41 of the 47 plots at Ōmanu Community Gardens have already been leased by keen gardeners.

It’s a runaway success and comes more than two years after Brian Dey noticed the disused piece of land and began campaigning for locals to be able to grow their own food there.

“We realised there are so many people in this area living in apartments or townhouses who don’t have anywhere to grow their own fruit and vegetables,” said Dey.

“With the cost of food soaring it’s really important that people can grow fresh produce themselves.”

It’s been made possible by a small group of persistent gardeners who’ve been in negotiations with Tauranga City Council over access to the public reserve where the old bowling club used to be.

“We have a committee that’s keen to support the creation of a community asset so the plan is that we will have a system set up so that if people are away, their plot will be watered,” said Dey. “We have a few family groups that bring their kids along which is great to see.”

Just weeks in, most of the 3.5m by 1.3m garden beds are laden with produce. Any gardening novices can ask committee members for advice and borrow tools from the shed.

“We’ve had support from Tauranga City Council for the building of the garden beds as well as fruit trees that we’ll be planting,” said Dey.

“We also had help from businesses; Downer created the water system, Container Shift Ltd provided a storage shed, Evergreen Gardens donated Tui Garden Products fertiliser and pea straw, Bunnings gave a lawnmower and Anzor provided fixings.”

Next to be constructed, a trellis that will have climbers like passionfruit and flowers marking the border of the space.

“It’s now a thriving garden area that everyone can enjoy.”

Anyone who wants to reserve a garden bed can contact Brian on 021 167 2669.