Summer In The Square returned for its sixth year running on 11 January. The free programme in Auckland's Aotea Square provides a range of entertainment and community activities for all Aucklanders to enjoy - one of which is the Urban Pantry vegetable garden and workshops.

Urban Pantry was started by Emily Harris and aims to create and promote urban gardens across Auckland. Ms Harris once worked in corporate law, but decided to leave the job to start Urban Pantry. She realised rooftop and urban gardening was the perfect way for apartment dwellers like herself to experience the practical and enjoyable pastime.

The Urban Pantry gardens at Aotea Square were designed and created by Jane Hakaraia and Emily Harris. They will be used to conduct a series of workshops, imbuing Aucklanders with the ability to cultivate their own edible gardens.

The gardens in Aotea Square will be open until 19 February, from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, including a series of hands-on workshops.

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Urban Pantry Workshops

Harvesting Rainwater for your Garden

Saturday 16 Jan, 2.00pm with Laurie Dee from Rainworks

Learn how to set up a home rainwater harvesting system to catch the rainwater that falls on your roof to use in your garden. Save money on your summer water bills while keeping your garden thriving.


Composting, worm farms and bokashi
Saturday 23 Jan, 2.00pm - 3.00pm or Sunday 7 February, 2.00pm - 3.00pm with Richard Lee from Compost Collective

An introduction to the three basic composting systems that can be used in the home and garden: traditional composting bins, worm farms and Bokashi buckets. The courses are proudly supported by Auckland Council and delivered by the Compost Collective.


Setting up an Organic Edible Garden
Sunday 31 Jan, 2.00pm - 3.00pm with Kings Plant Barn


Growing Fruit Trees in the City
Sunday 14 Feb, 2.00pm - 3.00pm with Kings Plant Barn

A Kings Plant Barn garden expert will share top tips for growing fruit trees in Auckland. Find out which varieties you can grow in small urban gardens, how to care for them, and how you can get the most fruit out of limited space.


Tastes from the Garden
Friday 19 Feb, 2.00pm - 3.00pm

Bid farewell to the vegetable gardens and celebrate the harvest. A chef will transform the harvest from the vegetable garden into delicious snacks for you to try, and maybe even share some recipe suggestions.


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