Elsie Lange
Right now, most people can’t believe their eyes when they see the cost of a head of lettuce is $5, or even a cauliflower for $6.
The Macedon Ranges Seed Savers (MRSS) group is encouraging the community to grow their own, with their help.
The organisation is one of many across the country, with the noble cause of sharing seeds around so that everyone can benefit from their own gardens.
MRSS secretary Lyn Godfrey said with the cost of fruit and veggies so high, knowing how to grow your own has become “more and more important”.
“Price rises recently have been quite significant, so the more you can grow yourself, the better,” Ms Godfrey said.
“From the point of view of availability too, I think a lot of the shortages in supply in Covid showed us that the more that we can produce ourselves, locally, the better.”
Using a Facebook group and leaving seed parcels at various local pick up points, Ms Godfrey said there is a “tremendous spirit” of generosity.
“People not only sharing their seeds and pants, but also sharing information. It’s a good way to find out what you need to know,” she said.
The MRSS most recent endeavour has been a garlic planting project, planted at Bolitho Community Garden at Riddells Creek Uniting Church in memory of Barry Tarrant.
Ms Crocker said Seed Savers groups will be important going into the future in tackling food crises, and also contribute to mitigating the emission of fossil fuels.
“We can have greater local self-reliance, which is very important. It’s important for each community to have its own independence and resilience against any changes that may take place,” Ms Godfrey said.
Details: www.macedonrangesseedsavers.org.au/.
