The refuge has three transition houses in the town and one in Balclutha and each has a vegetable garden, which were established in November last year.
Ms Dickhaut said some of the clients were initially reluctant to tend the gardens, which she had planted.
"They took on the job of watering and actually are quite proud of being involved in looking after something and it suddenly bearing fruit.
"I think it’s a winner."
There were many good outcomes for clients growing their own food, she said.
"We like to get people involved in taking care of their own needs.
"One day when they have their own garden they might remember and grow their own food."
Gardening was one way to help people relax and being outside in the sun was a good way to boost vitamin D levels, she said.
Life lessons could also be learned while gardening.
"You learn a little bit of patience because it’s not instant when you do gardening."
If there was a need she could host Cooking with Curiosity classes to help people learn how to cook with the vegetables.
