Sydney City Farm News - March 2021

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Sydney City Farm - City of Sydney

Autumn seed saving

The end of seasonal summer crops means it’s seed saving time at Sydney City Farm.

Our volunteers have been using a wet seed production technique for tomatoes, tomatillos, Chinese eggplants and chillies.

Wet production is used when a plant’s fruit contains seeds in a gelatinous sac. The gel can harbour pathogens and we remove this to ensure seed is healthy and suitable for future germination. We’ve been chopping up overripe fruit and fermenting in jars of water for a week or so while the slimy gel sacs break down. Seeds are then rinsed, dried thoroughly, and stored ready for planting next year.

Find out more about seed production join 1 of 2 seed saving hands-on education sessions on Saturday 24 April at 10 am or 1pm.

Orchard works begin

Landscapers have started construction of pathways, trellises and fencing in the farm orchard. The orchard will showcase different growing styles including pleaching, hedging and espalier and be planted with more than 100 fruit trees, vines and bushes suited to Sydney’s climate. Our first community planting day is being planned during May – keep an eye out for details.

Planning for our future

Thank you to the 140 people who completed our farm business plan review engagement survey. We are still working through detail of all the responses. Results show a continued enthusiasm for farm programs and activities.

During April, we will be holding some online community workshops to further focus on shaping the future direction of the farm. Please email us if you’d like to get involved.

 

Join our volunteer team

Want to get hands on at the farm? We’re looking for new volunteers to join our weekly working bees. The focus changes at different sessions and includes tasks to suit varying interests and abilities.


Thursday and Saturday mornings are spent working on general farm activities in our cropping area. From watering and weeding to planting and harvesting, these sessions are great for new volunteers to complete their induction, take a tour and get a taste for volunteering at the farm.
Friday mornings involve working in the farm plant nursery and depot area. Tasks can include raising seedlings, collecting and processing seed, and caring for our small potted fruit trees. These sessions suit volunteers who want to develop plant propagation and nursery skills.
• Saturday afternoons are for project work in the farm’s floriculture, pollinator and agroforestry demonstration garden beds, and edible display gardens like the mini fruit forest and agricultural crops.

Volunteers assist with soil improvement, new plantings and caring for existing plants.

No experience is needed. Just bring a can-do attitude and we’ll show you everything you need to know. Bookings essential.

Did you know...?

We now have a Farm Hands program of volunteers who regularly work at the farm in small teams outside of the formal volunteer sessions. Reach out if you would like to find our more.

Upcoming education programs


Our education programs cater for beginners to more advanced. See the full program of upcoming talks, workshops, webinars and hands-on sessions.

 

Growing fruit in the city session

Get practical guidance on growing fruit trees, vines and berries in pots and small gardens.

Date: Saturday 10 April
Time: 10am to 11.30am or 1pm to 2.30pm
Location: Sydney Park Pavilion, Alexandria
 

Crops up close family tours

Bring the kids, explore the farm and learn about growing food in the city together. Suitable for 5 to 10 year-olds accompanied by a parent. Tour the farm, look at crops and insect life up close and prepare a plant to grow at home.
 

Date: Wednesday 14 April
Time: 10am to 11am or 1pm to 2pm
Location: Sydney City Farm, St Peters
 

Seed saving hands - on session

Get hands-on and find out how to save seeds from your edible patch. Learn how to grow for optimal pollination, when to harvest for seed, how to process and store for future planting. It’s easy to collect and preserve treasured heirloom varieties.

Date: Saturday 24 April
Time: 10am to 11am or 1pm to 2pm
Location: Green Square Library
 

Edible gardens for renters workshop

Kick start your edible garden with guidance and practical tips from an expert gardener. Take home 6 edible plants to get you started.

Date: Saturday 5 June
Time: 10am to 12.30pm
Location: Green Square Library
 

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