Melbourne Konkan Community - Backyard farmer

Grow Your Own Organic Veggies – Join the Fun!🌱

MKC is thrilled to launch the Backyard Farmer Competition! This is your chance to grow your own vegetables and herbs, show off your gardening skills, and share your knowledge with our vibrant community. Whether you're an experienced backyard gardener or trying it out for the first time, we invite everyone to take part in this unique, community-driven initiative.

Our aim is to promote the joys of organic gardening and healthy living among Mangalorean Catholics in Melbourne. It’s not just a competition – it’s a celebration of sustainable living, fresh produce, and the pride of growing your own food.

Thank you to the Mangalorean Catholic Association of Sydney, for sharing this concept with us.

Who can Join?

This competition is open to everyone in the Mangalorean Catholic community in Melbourne, whether you’re an MKC member or not
You can still join even if you dont want to compete and just want to learn and show off your backyard farming goodies

How to Participate?

Register: Registration is free and open to both members and non-members.
- You can register by emailing us your Name, Mobile number and Suburb at Mkonkanc@gmail.com or texting Elias Mascarenhas at 0421 342 220.
Grow: Plant and grow as many veggies and herbs as you can in your backyard from November 2024 to August 2025.
Share: Post photos or videos of your garden on our MKC Backyard Farmer Facebook group. Don’t forget to show off your harvesting too! If you don’t use Facebook, join our WhatsApp group and share your updates there – we’ll help showcase your work on Facebook.
Competition: A panel of judges may even visit your garden (with prior appointment) to see your hard work firsthand. Winners announced on Sep 7 2025 at Monthi Fest

What are We Looking For?
The competition will have three main categories:

Maximum Variety: Grow a wide variety of vegetables and herbs to show your gardening diversity.
Biggest Veggie: Who can grow the biggest pumpkin, long melon, or snake gourd? Let’s see those jumbo veggies!
Creative Techniques: Share the unique ways you cultivate your garden – from homemade compost to innovative support structures, water harvesting systems, and more.

Eligible Plants

From pumpkins to eggplants, okra, spinach, coriander, mint, and more, a wide range of vegetables and herbs are welcome.

Only genuine photos and videos of your backyard garden are allowed – no old photos or images from other places.

Frequently asked questions

Who can join?

Anyone can join our facebook group and share their photos, videos and tip on growing vegetables. The competition is only open to to MKC registered members.

Is there a cost to join?

No, it’s completely free to join the group and to participate in competitions.

I don't currently grow vegetables, but I’d love to learn. Can I still join?

Absolutely! Join our Facebook group or our WhatsApp community to connect with others, get inspired, and learn valuable tips on backyard farming.

Is this also a competition?

The primary focus of MKC Backyard Farmer is to educate people on the joys and benefits of backyard farming. However, we are running a friendly competition (MKC members only) to add some excitement!

Categories include:
- Maximum Variety of Vegetables & Herbs Grown
- Biggest Size Vegetable
- Most Creative Growing Techniques

When will the results be announced?

We’ll be assessing submissions throughout the year, and the winners will be honored at our Monthi Fest celebration on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Can I share my veggie patch photos even if I don’t want to compete?

Yes, definitely! It’s all about community sharing and learning. You’re encouraged to post photos, videos, and tips on growing – we’d love to see your contributions! Join or facebook group page here https://www.facebook.com/groups/mkcbackyardfarmer

Join our whatsapp group if you dont have facebook https://chat.whatsapp.com/D4qIW1M1tIn130SCHqoQ17