Council supports an expanding number of thriving community gardens and market gardens. New food growing areas have been established in Bulleke-Pek Park, Garrong Park and next to the Newlands and Reynard Street Neighbourhood Houses. There is provision for a new community market garden in the Fawkner Merri Parklands Plan. Community gardens contribute to members physical and mental health and wellbeing, learning, social connections and can improve local food security. Council supports community gardens through community grants, promoting their activities, supplying bulk compost and mulch and partnering with them to hold events and workshops.

The award winning multi-council My Smart Garden program provides free workshops and events so that residents can learn skills to grow their own food, protect their home from sun and wind, support biodiversity, use water wisely and reduce waste. Since 2021, Council has held over 30 free workshops and events and over 2000 Merri-bek residents have participated in the program. Workshops have included include Backyard Beekeeping, Introduction to Permaculture, Bushfood Gardening at Home and Home Composting Webinar.