Two years ago, Piero and Claire Nelva dug up their front lawn to start the vegie patch.

"It's been a great benefit because it means when everything is in season you can walk from the kitchen to the garden and you have fresh organic produce," Piero says.

They have even noticed a difference in the way the produce tastes, Claire says.

"The garlic is so moist and there is a stronger odour than anything you'd buy from the supermarket. And the apricots off the tree are so sweet. The first time I tasted them I remember thinking that's what they're supposed to taste like."

Nothing goes to waste - the excess apricots and plums are turned into jam and tomatoes used to make sauce.

"Anything else we don't use gets given to the chickens and then that's composted and goes back onto the garden.

"So it goes from the garden to waste and back to the garden."

Piero's message is simple: "Give it a go".

"If it's a success then you get the goodness of organic produce and the kids get to see where it all comes from. I love to think that when Jenny [his daughter] says 'Let's go and get some potatoes', we go and grab a pitchfork, not a supermarket trolley.

"It makes me feel great that I'm really providing for my family in a tangible and physical way."

Piero will share his gardening experience at the free community harvest events around Casey. Details: www.casey.vic.gov.au