In starting food gardens, we've learnt to apply some hard-won principles that really help to make the project stick:
(Click the boxes for a little more explanation)
The 'S'-Start is a program for getting people started with growing food at home in an affordable, adaptable way, maximising the new grower's chances of making it work for the long-term.
WHAT'S THE IDEA?
START SMALL
Keep it well within your capacity, but desiged to grow larger as your capacity grows.
START SIMPLE
Make a straightforward, doable plan, but allow for complexity to develop over time.
START STRONG
Make your structures robust, but design them to be adaptable to change in your life.
START SUPPORTED
Recruit plenty of good humans to help you, but design the system to be managed by one or two people.
You can see why we're calling it an S-Start... It's a daggy name, but we don't spend much time on marketing.
Taking those design principles, we'll apply them to your situation and get you started in an affordable, effective way.
HERE'S HOW THE PROCESS WILL WORK:
This isn't rocket surgery, but everyone will need something slightly different.
We'll start gathering materials and planning the day.
We facilitate the 'garden raising' day and your gang pitches in to get the work done.
Login to our monthly Zoom sessions with experienced gardeners, where you can ask questions, compare notes and surf the learning curve.
WHAT DO YOU GET IN THE PROCESS?
In getting you started, we focus on three core things that almost everyone needs. (They just happen to start with S...)
(Click the boxes for a bit more explanation)
STRUCTURE
It might be wildlife protection, raised beds, or terraces, but it needs to be done well.
SOIL
Successful food gardening revolves around fertile, healthy, bio-active soil.
SKILLS
There is a lot to learn. The curve might be steep, but its also a total blast.
OK, we've finished with the S-words now.
Interested?
If you think you'd like to get this service happening for yourself or someone you know, get in touch.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
We are committed to a community-focused method of exchange, based on 'gift economy' principles. It's a 'pay what you feel is right' system, based on trust and mutual support. While this is not conventional, it's not as uncommon as you might think. But everyone who does this does it a little differently. Read on to find out how we go about it.
WHEN AND WHERE WILL IT BE AVAILABLE?
We're working to bring this service to Southern Tassie as soon as possible. To start with, it will be limited to the Greater Hobart, Channel and Huon areas. If you're further out but want to see this come to your area, get in touch. In fact, if you're interested in any way, let us know—it really helps to know how many people are keen. We'll let you know by email when the service is ready to go.