Matt Russell and Angie Ritchie are two of the people behind Kiama Crop and Swap – a Facebook page that promotes people growing vegetables and swapping the surplus. They hope the idea will develop into a regular get-together.

Mr Russell said he came up with the idea when he was looking for someone to share his excess vegetables.

“I was struggling to find other people close to me and decided to start up a Facebook page where people could hop on and touch base with other people in the same position and enjoy their gardens,” Mr Russell said.

“I have been speaking to council about our plans and the long-term plan is that once spring comes, we will try to arrange a monthly get-together to promote growing your own vegetables. It could also act as a social outlet where like-minded people could meet and exchange advice and their experiences.

“It might even lead to the group meeting socially for coffee and a chat from time-to-time.”

Mrs Ritchie said she was enjoying sharing vegetables from her garden and it had given her motivation to get out in her garden.

“It has definitely been a good experience for me and has definitely given me the motivation to get more involved,” Mrs Ritchie said.

Mr Russell said the Facebook page Kiama Crop and Swap had already attracted more than 50 members.

“The plan is, apart from swapping vegetables, to make it a social site where people can give advice and swap tips on growing vegetables in their own garden.”