Soil to Supper delivers simple ideas, solutions and support to help people enhance their health by successfully growing thriving gardens in all locations.
“Our purpose is to make gardening accessible for everyone, in any garden setting”
We believe that people from all walks of life need a connection with nature and to experience a sense of joy and the health benefits gained from gardening activities and growing food.
Our mission at Soil to Supper is to support and guide people to care for themselves, others and the earth by growing fresh food and enjoying good health.
Soil to Supper was developed in 2011 after Cath realised the need for information delivered in simple methods to support people to grow in any location.
Our Programs and Services provide simple techniques, information and inspiring ideas to grow thriving gardens, enjoy gardening activities and harvest fresh food.

Hi, I’m Cath!
With over 25 years in the horticulture industry, I have dedicated my career to developing and delivering garden-based programs that enhance health and wellbeing.
Through onsite and online programs, professional training, and tailored support, I help individuals and organisations integrate gardening into their homes and communities.
My passion for supporting others through gardening stems from my own journey and the profound impact nature has on physical and emotional wellbeing.
This inspired me to specialise in therapeutic horticulture, creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to engage in meaningful gardening activities that promote wellness.
I hold a Diploma of Horticulture, a Diploma of Community Services, a Certificate in Horticultural Therapy, and a Permaculture Design Certificate, along with additional training in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture at Thrive, UK.
As a speaker and educator, I’ve worked with the Maggie Beer Foundation, presented at national conferences and events, and shared my knowledge through publications, training, and media.
Each week I also enjoy connecting with listeners as a regular guest on ABC Sunshine Coast radio, where I discuss gardening and its many benefits.
I became a full member of Therapeutic Horticulture Australia and present for THA through conferences and online webinars.
My love for growing and cooking fresh food, understanding the health benefits of gardening, and exploring the diverse uses of plants continues to drive my work. Through my programs and training, I aim to inspire others to embrace gardening as a powerful tool for physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
Alongside my co-director, Anna Baker Cresswell, I have also co-founded Therapeutic Garden Tours: journeys of learning and discovery. Find out more about the tours HERE.
“The joy is in the journey”
Join me on LinkedIn
Our services…
The Soil to Supper Therapeutic Gardening Program includes training and one-on-one programs to assist with the delivery of in-house gardening activities for participants of the NDIS, residents of aged care, disability support and community services.
Soil to Supper Learn Online offers courses and online learning to gather skills and knowledge to enjoy and provide garden-based activities for good health.
Onsite Consultations are available for the home gardener, aged care and community service organisations. I’ll share with you my extensive knowledge of horticulture and therapeutic gardening to support you to establish and maintain thriving gardens. Please contact me directly for more information.
With extensive experience as a guest speaker/workshop presenter I am available to present at your events upon request.
Please contact me directly HERE to discuss your event.
The benefits of Cath Manuel’s therapeutic gardening groups can be seen on the faces of our residents who attend her weekly sessions in our Memory Support Unit. Living with dementia can make daily activities challenging and frustrating, so it is beautiful to watch the group laughing and interacting together, reminiscing about gardens they have tended to in the past.
For many of them, the feel of the soil between their fingers has unlocked gardening skills that have remained hidden in recent years. To have seedlings to care for and gardens to water has provided a purpose for them again. The feedback from staff and relatives has been incredibly positive.
Cath you have helped me immensely with my garden since I decided to go organic. You’ve helped me work out what is best for my garden as I find it very confusing how things are worded as organic but sometimes aren’t actually natural.
I never thought I would love making compost but with the set up that you teach it’s easy and fun to watch the soil that it produces for my garden!
Being a member I also get great knowledge of what to do with the monthly guides and can’t wait for the latest podcast episodes as I learn more that way than just reading. I also like the notes to follow in case I missed something!
Thanks Cath for all your help.
Dear Cath
I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful service you’re offering our community. I’m not really a “green thumb” but your passion and knowledge has got me started!! I enjoyed your workshop very much, it was informative, fun and tasty!!
You are inspirational and I am working toward having a sustainable garden where my family can eat their ‘fill’ of fresh fruit/veggies and salad stuff just like yours does. I can’t wait till your next workshop or should we call it a PLAYshop….fun fun fun!!!
© cath manuel march 2012