Australian’s urban landscape is changing. And it’s not big architecture that is making our cities and towns look different but, rather, the growing number of small food gardens. At the outset, Gleanr’s focus was on bringing together a community of food growers. We envisioned a collective of individuals, each with a unique tale about their experiences growing food in an urban setting. Our goal is to bring these stories to life and share them with the world.
All over the country, everyday Australians are inspiringly devoted to healthy produce and stronger communities. We consider them the quiet changemakers.
In our new blog series, ‘In Conversation’ we highlight some of the food growers that make the Gleanr community what it was intended to be: a supportive place for urban food growers.
Today’s spotlight is on Andrea, who graciously shares her insights on creating a food garden for her entire family to enjoy, and also gives us a valuable perspective on the future of urban agriculture in Australia. Enjoy her story.
Gleanr: How long have you been growing your own produce?
Andrea: We started experimenting with growing food in wicking beds in Sept / Oct 2021, then moved into creating garden beds March 2022.
Gleanr: What is the reason behind your interest in cultivating your own produce?
Andrea: It all started with us drinking health juices every morning which led to investigating the nutrient value of commercial produce and how it is grown. We want to be healthy.
Gleanr: What are some of the benefits you find most rewarding from growing your own food?
Andrea:
- Our food journey has given our family a sense of togetherness
- The knowledge that I am acquiring
- Constantly being in wonderment with our ecosystem that we are building, ranging from the seed / plant developmental stages to the insects that have arrived (both good and not so welcomed)
- Appreciation of what we have achieved
- Being proud and excited to share my experiences
- Making new friends
Gleanr: Is there any aspect of your food cultivation ability that you would like to enhance?
Andrea: Growing from seed and seedling care, both pre and post planting, making compost – hot and cold.
Gleanr: What advice would you give to individuals who are just beginning to grow their own herbs and vegetables?
Andrea: My advice is to get advice. Engage with an experienced food garden consultant, attend practical food garden workshops such as biodynamic gardening, compost making etc.
Gleanr: As a member of the Gleanr community, which feature, function, or tool do you find the most helpful?
Andrea: The Plant Wizard (it is awesome!)
Gleanr: What are your thoughts about the future of urban agriculture in Australia?
Andrea: Backyard food gardeners will always keep urban agriculture alive.
Due to house/land sizes becoming smaller, families are not able to experience growing their own foods, therefore need avenues and access to do so.
Communities need to apply pressure on local councils and governments to enhance current policies and legislation on land development to include food garden growing spaces.
Local councils need to explore and facilitate allotment-type space systems to support their community.
Gleanr: What does food growing mean to you in six words?
Andrea: Healthy soil = healthy food = healthy me/family
We extend our gratitude to Andrea for her generosity in speaking with us. We thought her six-word summary of what food growing means to her was inspiring.
If you haven’t already joined, sign up now and connect with other members to become a part of our urban food growing community.
