Let’s sow the seeds of change together
2024-10-16T14:49:46+11:00
The Sustain network is hosting their Urban Agriculture Month this November. You can get involved with workshops, webinars, open gardens and garden festivals to grow as an individual gardener and connect with your gardening community.
The aim of Sustain: The Australian Food Network is to help people design and build healthy and sustainable food systems on all scales from local communities to individual ecosystems. The organisation operates many major sustainability and gardening based conferences, forums and summits during the year, with a focus on awareness, education and starting the conversation around sustainable food.
This November, they are hosting their 4th annual Urban Agriculture Month, which enables locals to get together to share, learn and celebrate through food. Through our backyards, community gardens and markets, there is plenty of both in person and online events to grow your gardening skills as well as connecting with other local gardeners.
One of these events is the CGA Community Gardens National Gathering which is hosted by our very own Phil Dudman with the ABC North Coast Radio team. There will be a range of hands-on workshops, tours, panels, discussions and demonstrations during the two-day event. This is being hosted from the 9th to the 10th of November from 9:00am – 5:00pm, with a community lunch, morning and afternoon tea included in the ticket. You can bring along some of your produce to share as there is a food swap at the end of each day! If you would like to check out this event, you can get tickets here.
There are a wide variety of other events during the Urban Agriculture Month that you can attend nationwide, from beekeeping basics to open garden days to local markets and festivals all surrounding sustainable gardening and community. Here are some of our favourites:
Community Growers Afternoon
Saturday 2nd November, Sydney City Farm, St Peters NSW
A great opportunity to connect with other community growers and exchange seed saved from our favourite crops.
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Brinkworth Community Garden Workshop Day
Sunday 3rd November, Brinkworth Community Garden, Brinkworth, SA
This event is hosted by the Brinkworth Community Garden, with a focus on showing the importance of community connection. A propagating cutting and prepping your vegie patch for spring workshop is also being held at the garden from 11:00am-12:30pm
11:00am – 3:00pm
How to Grow Food in your Outdoor Space
Wednesday 6th November, Online Webinar
This online webinar will inspire and educate you about the vast potential of your outdoor space. They will showcase practical and innovative methods for growing food that are suitable for both city backyards and larger farm acreages. Perfect for gardening enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
6:00pm – 7:15pm
Backyard Beekeeping Basics
Saturday 9th November, CERES Environmental Park, Brunswick East, VIC.
This 2-hour introductory workshop will provide you with an insight into the skills and experience required to safely and effectively manipulate a bee hive and carry out general management practices. Additionally, tickets range between $72-80 for the full workshop.
11:00am – 1:00pm
Gardening on a Budget
Sunday 10th November, 175 Bains Rd, Morphett Vale SA
In this beginner’s workshop, we’ll show you how to make a healthy garden full of food on a shoe-string budget. Furthermore, learn to make your own compost, raise seedlings, use recycled materials in your garden, and share with your community.
1:30pm – 3:30pm
How to Start an Edible Garden Workshop
Saturday 16th November, Bellarine Secondary College, VIC
This workshop is hosted by Farm My School, a not-for-profit organisation partnering with schools. Additionally, they promote healthy eating, ecological stewardship, and connected communities. This free introductory workshop is perfect for all levels and experience.
2:00pm – 3:30pm
The Community Plate Food Forum
Tuesday 26th November, Mornington, VIC.
This free event by The Community Plate showcases the local food system and affordable food programs. It also explores projects, opportunities and solutions addressing the cost of food.
9:00am – 2:00pm
Kalamunda Garden Festival
Sunday 1st December, Elizabeth Street, Kalamunda, WA.
With over 100 gardening-related stalls and guest speakers throughout the day, the Kalamunda Garden Festival is a perfect way to end off the spring season. Moreover, tickets are $10 per person, with children ages 16 and under free.
10:00am – 3:00pm.
If you would like to check out other events being hosted for the Urban Agriculture Month, you can check them out here. You can also apply to host your own event which you can check out more details here.
