And, thanks to a $567 donation from the Nethercote Produce Markets, the centre will be able to pruchase three new raised garden beds for the children to grow even more vegetables and herbs.

Last Friday, the produce market's co-ordinator, Karen Lott, presented the centre's preschool teacher, Casey Green, and the children with the money, which was raised at the markets in July.

The centre had a garden in its lower playground area that was used to produce vegetables for the meals prepared for the children during the day.

Children were also able to take home any excess produce to further encourage healthy eating.

But when the centre's watering system broke down, it became too difficult to carry water from the top playground to the garden in buckets.

Now, with the new raised beds to be located between the tiny tots and pre-schooler areas, the children will be encouraged to help plant, nurture and harvest edible crops as part of the centre's environmental education program.

"At Eden Childcare we are passionate about children, our community and our environment," Ms Green said.

"We have developed many sustainable practices and encourage sustainable thinking within all of our educational programs and interactions with our children and families. 

"We currently have rain water tanks, worm farms and a strong recycling program running," she said.

“This space will provide numerous learning opportunities for all of our children, from the very young to our pre-schoolers," Ms Green said.

"From the first time we take babies outdoors, allowing them to sense the fragrances, sounds and sights of the garden and the wider world, we begin communicating the value of living things. 

"When we introduce children to plants and gardens, we foster a respect for the environment, helping them learn about natural materials and their own health and wellbeing,” she said.

The old garden will be turned over to a low maintenance potato crop, while the new raised beds will be home to more intensive salad vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers, as well as beans, zucchinis and beetroot.

Ms Green said the childcare centre had drawn up a "business plan" thathad been accepted by the market organising body.

"They do an amazing lot of good in the community," she said.

The Nethercote Produce Markets are held on the fourth Saturday of January, April, July and October at the Nethercote Hall, from 8am to 12 noon.

The next market will be held on Saturday, October 24.

Profits from the markets - stall fees, sale of produce, market cafe and raffle - are distributed to local food-related projects. 

Market organisers have decided to sponsor a different project each market, so there will be more frequent grants. 

"If anyone knows of any community organisation or individual who needs funding for a gardening or food growing project, please contact us to see if we can help," Ms Lott said.