The horticulturally impaired have been thrown a lifeline by a group calling itself Vegetables in My Back Yard (Vimby).
New gardeners are sprouting up all over Mosgiel thanks to these green-fingered angels, who will appear when they are needed most.
Group member Kitty Caldwell said the group had plenty of experienced gardeners who were prepared to help those who wanted to grow vegetables.
Sometimes it was just a phone call, but often a site visit was required to advise on the initial layout of the garden and what sort of things could be grown.
''I know one lady - three years ago she was a learner grower - [who] now ... has probably the best garden on the Taieri.''
The idea behind the gardening mission was to help people provide themselves with healthy, fresh food and beat rising costs, she said.
Children often enjoyed gardening and were more likely to eat vegetables they had grown themselves, Ms Caldwell said.
Another member of the group, Margaret Scott, said she often ran into people the group had helped over the past five years.
''I met one in the supermarket who was so excited ... she said `look at my trolley - no vegetables'''.
The service is completely free and people can text or phone Ms Caldwell on 021-238-8558 or email kittyc@ihug.co.nz if they need some help.
