Growing Farmers

25/03/2023

The wonderful farmer Jesse took us for an incredibly informative and generous tour of the Wurundjeri garden and veg and cut flower gardens on Wurundjeri Country along Birrarung. Farmers were able to hear about the growth of the space and changes in soil management, witness and experience some of the farm systems in place, including harvesting, washing and packing produce for the farm gate. We also got a wire weeding demo!

We enjoyed our DIY banh mi catering from get in touch with them for your delicious catering needs.

Thanks to for funding our education program. Let us know if you want to join in next time!

16/03/2023

This weeks offerings at the include beautiful summer produce from the backyard farmers and and staples from

We love our Fawkner Food Hub!

24/02/2023

This weeks offerings to grown regeneratively in Fawkner soils on Wurundjeri Country by and the backyard farmers!

Image 1 shows the following vegetables spread out on a round table: Lebanese zucchini, big yellow button squash, cucumbers, carrots, beetroots, eggplants, green chillies, cherry and large tomatoes, green capsicum, okra. Green and purple basil, and Vietnamese mint! This image doesn’t show the 9kg of grapes picked from one our backyard farms!
Image 2: a big stack of harvest crates on a trolley wheeling into the senior citizens centre
Image 3 black crates stacked in the back of a car taken from the cool room at Fawkner food bowls to be delivered to the hub!

21/02/2023

Thank you to Danny from for hosting us so graciously on a very hot midsummer evening! We managed to have shade from the double-story neighbour in the west, which was a relief for us and the farm! Danny shared the opportunities and challenges on buying an existing farm business, whilst also farming elsewhere, and share some plant care, pruning and trellising tips and techniques with us.

With thanks to for feeding us so well and keeping us hydrated with the most delicious iced tea! They are open for catering if you’re looking for a merri-Bek based caterer!

With thanks to funding from for paying farmers to run our education sessions and supporting us to grow a new generation of farmers!

17/02/2023

We are so lucky to be growing food as backyard farmers with our buddies and distributing through who are celebrating 50 weeks feeding community weekly in Fawkner!

The backyard farmers project is an experiment in partnering merri-bek residents who want access to space for learning to grow food, with mentorship and education, in other people’s backyards. We are in our second year of experimenting with some farms now sending beautiful locally grown pesticide-free produce out to locals via the merri food hub. We’re building resilience in our food system, and working it out as we go.

16/02/2023

Thank you to and .veggie.empire for a wonderful tour and activity sponsored by sharing some herb dividing and winter sowing skills with us as well as the many years of wisdom from Rachel and the team in building such an amazing project! We are inspired and amazed at how persistence, people care and mindfulness can create amazing outcomes for the lives of farmers. We aspire to grow just like you! And thank you for catering such delicious and nutritious foods and flavours 🤠

09/11/2022

Our networked farms grant from has allowed the backyard farmers to access the most beautiful seedlings grown by Kelly and the community at which will be planted out across the 5 farms and in the market garden rows at FFB. We’re testing a model to work collaboratively sharing resources within our communities and streamlining our processes - emphasizing the unique skills, space and people available in our community! We’re working on our communication, how we function as a network and prioritising our relationships, to grow food well.

You can find out more in person and hear from the farmers in our upcoming tours from 10am-1pm on Saturday 26th November in Fawkner for Link in bio 🤠

ID a happy farmer Ben is kneeling down behind a collection of beautiful seedlings, such as tomatoes, capsicums, watermelon and basil. Behind him is blue skies and Fatima, the greenhouse, at Fawkner Food Bowls. Ben is wearing a short sleeved beige shirt, orange sunglasses and a cap and is smiling 🙂

11/10/2022

The recent rain and sunshine has brought the backyard farmers out to swarm! Here are some happy people together in an abundant and vibrant backyard on Wurundjeri Land in Coburg North, with plenty of pollinators and bugs around and the soil smelling good. This farm has been been tended to for many years by Francesca’s late husband. Backyard farmers Carla, Rebecca and Lindsay are beginning to see the benefits of tending to it, creating air flow, letting in the light and learning to relate with one another in harmony.

We are a small and new community organisation run mostly by volunteers. If you’re able to support us in setting up backyard farms, please consider donating on our website to help us grow soils, food and share with our community in Merri-Bek.

01/09/2022

Want to try out backyard farming over summer?

We are looking for someone to co-farm with one of our backyard farmers for six months between October 2022 and April 2023.

The backyard farm is established and located in Fawkner, Melbourne. As a backyard farmer you will:
- Collaborate with another farmer on crop planning, planting, harvesting and distribution throughout the spring/summer season
- Gain practical experience in urban farming
- Commit 1-2 days per week to the project as a volunteer
- Have access to food growing workshops
- Grow healthy, nutritious food for yourself and the community
- Join a network of 6 farms across North Moreland, meet other urban farmers and local community members.

Keen to join the local food revolution?
Complete a short form by Wednesday 21 September: https://rb.gy/yxwsgg.

12/08/2022

Fawkner locals! Get fresh, local food direct from farmers via the Merri Food Hub 🥦

Here are three reasons why you should seriously consider buying your produce from Merri Food Hub:

1. Our produce costs far less than Colesworthdi: We source from farmers and producers, and can pass on savings to you

2. We champion shorter supply chains: this means your fruit and vegetables last much much longer than the stuff you normally buy

3. We are resident-led: Merri Food Hub was set up by two Fawkner residents who saw the need: fresh, affordable and culturally-relevant fruit and veg.

If you don’t agree, come by and see us. We’ll soon change your mind. Actually, no. We won’t. The produce speaks for itself!

Fridays, 10 am - 4pm at the Senior Citizens’ Centre on Jukes Road, Fawkner or online at https://openfoodnetwork.org.au/merri-food-hub/shop. Order online before 10 am tomorrow to collect on Friday!

10/05/2022

One of our Backyard Farmers Project landhosts recently featured on Gardening Australia! Sapphire shows us how to encourage a wider range of fungi in your garden by leaving some dead plants in the garden, using a wider range of mulch (not just wood chips), and avoid using antifungal chemicals.

We meet Dr Sapphire McMullan-Fisher – a fungal ecologist who can measure the health of her neighbourhood parks - and her garden - by the different fungi growing there.

29/03/2022

Upcoming workshop, free for Moreland residents!

Practical, accessible cooking workshop using produce from the Fawkner Food Bowls to create a delicious, low cost, waste free meal! A Fawkner Food Bowls & Jesuit Social Services Ecological Justice Hub collab and supported by Moreland Council. See event details to register!

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/zero-waste-garden-to-plate-cooking-workshop-tickets-277353781627

Practical, accessible cooking workshop using produce from the Fawkner Food Bowls to create a delicious, low cost, waste free meal

10/03/2022

We are thrilled to announce that we recently launched round two of the Backyard Farmers Project.

Joining the project are eleven aspiring farmers, who will be creating and maintaining five farms across North Moreland, growing fresh food for the local community.

On Saturday we held the launch at an existing backyard farm, harvesting, preparing and eating the abundant produce growing there.

The following day our farmers headed to Future Seeds Nursery in Pakenham for their first workshop on seedling propagation.

Over the next month we will be holding working bees to establish the new farms!

On Saturday we held the launch at an existing backyard farm, harvesting, preparing and eating the abundant produce growing there.

The following day our farmers headed to in Pakenham for their first workshop on seedling propagation.

10/03/2022

10/03/2022

08/03/2022

Want to support the next generation of farmers?

We have partnered with CERES Fair Food as the recipient of their Pay-It-Forward program, with all donations through autumn helping us support new farmers.

Through round 2 of our Backyard Farmers Project we are assisting 11 aspiring farmers to grow food on 5 farms across North Moreland, and your donations directly assist us to run the program.

Our farmers receive access to land, mentoring, training and start up assistance.

Donate today: https://members.ceresfairfood.org.au/products/4048?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=SUNDAY%20March%206&utm_content=SUNDAY%20March%206+CID_06c424741b2ceb5def95e001f6ed98ac&utm_source=Email&utm_term=her

17/02/2022

Experiencing financial hardship and have a dream of getting into farming? Local Food Connect - Melbourne are generously sponsoring a place to attend Farmer Incubator's PUGF Program.

We need more farmers into the future! So Local Food Connect is pleased to offer a sponsorship to attend this year's Pop up Garlic Farmers Program.
PUGF is a 9 month beginner's course in small scale farming. It includes 8 hands on workshops, farm tours and panel discussions with specialists and industry experts. Then put your knowledge to the test by growing your own crop of garlic with a Site Facilitator to support you and a group of fellow farmers to share the experience. Choose from one of six farms across Melbourne.
Act NOW. Program starts 26th February. Email your interest to: [email protected]

For more information join Farmer Incubator's webinar at 6pm on Thursday 17th Feb.
https://fb.me/e/51hOwzxCE

10/02/2022

Are you interested in joining the backyard farmers crew?

We are looking for volunteers to help our backyard farmers manage the farms in Fawkner and North Coburg. Volunteers get to meet like-minded people, learn food growing skills, gain practical experience and take home delicious fresh produce!

We are offering two types of volunteering opportunities:
- one-off volunteering at our working bees in March and April to set up the new farms
- semi-regular volunteering throughout 2022 working closely with backyard farmers

Register interest by 25 February 2022: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfT1_bctNb4pXbJnRnEZvMAzz6Ks_uV96e0a3-d9scVlaucVA/viewform

02/02/2022

If you've been dreaming of becoming a garlic farmer then now's your chance! Farmer Incubator's Pop Up Garlic Farmers Program is a 9 month beginner's course in small scale farming. It includes 8 hands on workshops and farm tours. Then put your knowledge to the test by growing your own crop of garlic at one of five farms across Victoria, with a Site Facilitator to support you and a group of fellow farmers to share the experience. It’s a great opportunity to learn practical skills while developing new friendships and networks. Plus you can sell, gift or eat your garlic at the end!

Course starts 26 February 2022. Grab your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/pop-up-garlic-farmers-2021-vq19pst8

Farmer Incubator's Pop Up Garlic Farmers program is a great way to try farming in a risk free and supported environment while building skills, knowledge and networks as you go. You'll get the opportunity to meet experienced farmers, visit established small-scale farms and hear from experts across a....

16/12/2021

Our are both productive and beautiful, and this wall of sweet peas at Treaisa and Luke's provides food for beneficial insects, blooms for our homes, and protects the fence from the scorching summer sun.

The sweet peas will die back as the season warms up, and will be replaced by summer loving perennials like choko or scarlet runner beans.

09/12/2021

Last chance to apply for round 2 of the Backyard Farmers Project!

We are looking for aspiring urban farmers, and Fawkner residents with large backyards, to help us increase the amount of fresh food that is grown, shared, and consumed in our local community.

Applications are due today, 10 December. For more information, and to apply:
Farmers: https://www.growingfarmers.org.au/urban-farmers-info-page
Residents: www.growingfarmers.org.au/fawkner-residents-info-page

📸 Farmer James harvesting a bumper garlic crop from his Fawkner farm

03/12/2021

Are you one of our next Backyard Farmers Project mentors?

As a mentor you play a crucial role in supporting our aspiring urban farmers to develop food growing skills during the program. You will meet with the farmer monthly and give guidance in all aspects of food growing. You will also assist farmers to set and achieve goals, and encourage them throughout their farming journey.

We are looking for people with experience in urban farming who live or work in Moreland or surrounding areas. If you would like to contribute to the next generation of urban farmers, send us a DM or email [email protected].

📸: previous Backyard Farmers Project mentor Leila in her garden, 2020.

01/12/2021

We had a productive working bee at Treaisa and Luke's place to plant summer crops for food relief while we recruit our next farmers for the Backyard Farmers Project.

The dream team included volunteers Jeanette, Ollie and Sandrine. We finished pulling out winter crops that had gone to seed, and planted tomatoes and zucchini seedlings. Then we interplanted with nasturtiums to create a living mulch and encourage beneficial insects.

Next time we need to set up trellises for the tomatoes, and plant out the rest of the farm with cucumbers, beans, basil and more flowers.

Over summer the Growing Farmers team will manage this farm until the next farmer takes over. Could that be you?

Apply by 10 December: https://www.growingfarmers.org.au/urban-farmers-info-page

26/11/2021

Keen to make your backyard more productive?

Sapphire was a land host for round 1 of Backyard Farmers Project, who got involved because she wanted her Fawkner backyard to be more productive but wasn't able to maintain it herself. She also wanted to meet likeminded people and increase the amount of fresh produce shared in the local community.

Backyard Farmers Project was the perfect solution for Sapphire. She formed a lifelong friendship with farmers Catie and George, received fresh chemical-free produce, and had assistance with maintaining her backyard. For Sapphire, being a land host gave her the chance to support the next generation of growers.

If this sounds like you, apply to be a land host for round 2 of Backyard Farmers Project: https://www.growingfarmers.org.au/fawkner-residents-info-page

24/11/2021

Catie and George applied for round 1 of Backyard Farmers Project so that they could try urban farming at a larger scale than was possible in their rental garden.

In just 12 months they converted a kikuyu-clad suburban plot in Fawkner into a 120m2 mini-market garden, growing, harvesting, and sharing delicious produce with the community every week.

Backyard Farmers Project provided Catie and George with a low-risk way to learn, experiment and build their skills in food growing. Some highlights were the peer-to-peer learning, social events, the relationship with land host Sapphire, and the plentiful 'edible currency' that was shared with friends and neighbours and donated to food relief.

One of our volunteers James is going to tend to the farm whilst we recruit for round 2.

Keen to join the backyard farming community? Attend our info session 3-4pm, 28 November: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/backyard-farmers-project-info-session-tickets-212188871627

18/11/2021

Have you got a large garden that's too much to manage?

Treaisa and Luke’s backyard was tended by farmer Izzy in round 1 . Treaisa and Luke applied because they couldn’t find the time to transform their Fawkner backyard into the productive space they dreamed of.

Fast forward 12 months and Treaisa and Luke have a thriving farm out their back door. has shown them that it is possible to grow enough food for themselves and others on a normal suburban plot. They loved having farmer Izzy in their lives, are more involved in their local community, and have replaced a kikuyu desert into a productive, beautiful space.

Treaisa and Luke are continuing as land hosts for round 2, and can’t wait to welcome a new backyard farmer into their garden!

If you have an underutilised garden in Fawkner we would love to hear from you! Follow link in bio to apply as a landhost for round 2 of .

Swipe 👉 for before and after pics of their backyard!

12/11/2021

Do you want to be an urban farmer?

was one of the farmers in round 1 of !

Izzy applied to be a backyard farmer so that they could expand their knowledge of regenerative farming and contribute to the wellbeing of the local community.

Izzy learnt about farm set-up, creating no-dig beds, crop planning and growing different varieties. They grew enough for themselves and land hosts Luke and Treaisa, and donated fresh produce to food relief via .

The Growing Farmers team are tending to the farm over summer until we recruit our new farmer.

Can you see yourself farming this patch? Round 2 is open now, apply by 10 December: www.growingfarmers.org.au/backyard-farmers-project

12/11/2021

Want to get hands on garlic growing experience?
Our friends Farmer Incubator are holding a working bee this Sunday 14 Nov! 🌱

Want to get some garlic farming experience in the company of some pretty awesome peeps? Our garlic crop is ready for harvest and we are seeking volunteers for our upcoming harvesting and braiding working bees. The first one is THIS SUNDAY! Register here: https://form.jotform.com/212967141777465

If you love our mission and want to get involved but the hands on stuff isn’t for you, get in touch anyway! We are always on the lookout for grant writers, researchers, builders, photo/videographers and social media super stars! Register here: https://form.jotform.com/213120647934857

04/11/2021

Round 2 of Backyard Farmers Project is officially live! We are looking for aspiring urban farmers and growers, and Fawkner landhosts to join our Backyard Farmers community!

matches aspiring farmers with Fawkner residents with large backyards, and supports farmers to establish and maintain a productive piece of land.

Participating farmers receive access to land rent-free, mentoring, training and resources, and access to local food distribution channels.

Participating Fawkner landhosts will have an under-utilised part of their garden transformed into a productive backyard farm. They will also receive chemical-free, fresh produce grown on the farm, learn growing skills, and get to know more members of their local community.

The program runs January 2022 to April 2023, and we are looking for people who are passionate about increasing the amount of fresh food that is grown and shared throughout the wonderful community of Fawkner.

Applications are due 5pm Friday 10 December.

Follow link below for more information.

https://www.growingfarmers.org.au/backyard-farmers-project

13/09/2021

We're super excited to announce we were successful in receiving funding from the wonderful to help us create 2 new farms, just like this one featuring our farmer ! We can't wait to be growing even more food in Fawkner, for Fawkner. Stay tuned for developments! 🥒🥬🥦

19/07/2021

Are you our next Project Manager? We are looking for someone to lead our Backyard Farmers Project.

In this role, you will get the opportunity to connect to and drive strong community engagement around food growing in our city.

We are looking for someone who is values aligned and has a strong desire to learn new skills and to immerse themselves in the local urban food growing and farming community.

If this sounds like you or someone you know, please apply! We are also asking for everyone to please share this with your networks to help us spread the word. 🥦

https://www.growingfarmers.org.au/work-with-us

Are you our next Project Manager? Be part of the growing urban farming movement in Melbourne and help us grow the Backyard Farmers Project.

30/03/2021

Join us on Sunday the 18th April, virtually, for a farm tour and presentation as part of the Agriculture Forum and month. We will be chatting all things Growing Farmers and taking a look at all of the wonderful work that has happened since our pilot project began in November last year. You can register for this event by following the below link:
https://uaf.org.au/supporting-events/growing-farmers-backyard-farmers-project-on-line-presentation-qanda

20/03/2021

Over Summer Catie, George, Sapphire and Alice spoke with ABC News about the and what growing community and connection in Fawkner looks and feels like. It's live! You can read it below 💚

As Australians turned to their gardens last year to manage the stresses of the pandemic, nurseries sold out of stock. And for some new green thumbs, it's become a full-time source of relief and delight.

01/03/2021

We spoke with Costa Georgiadis Official as part of the National Sustainable Living Festival Great Local Lunch on Sunday. Tune in around 2.05 to see Catie, George, Sapphire and Alice in action.

No backyard is safe 😂

So many inspiring projects are featured too, its well worth the watch for an inspiration injection.

The Great Local Lunch is one of the National Sustainable Living Festival’s most anticipated sustainable food events, and this year it’s coming to backyards, ...

28/02/2021

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Hi all! We have regular spaces to help our backyard farmers in Fawkner over coming months.

When: Second Sunday of the month 9.30am-1pm with Catie and George (next date 14 March)
Third Sunday of the month from 10am-2pm with Izzy (next date 21 March)
Where: Backyard farms in Fawkner (addresses to be provided when you RSVP)
What: Helping keep the little farms producing: Everything from watering, weeding, tending rows to planting and moving things around in wheelbarrows!
What to bring: Sunhat, sturdy enclosed shoes, gardening gloves, and bring your own lunch and plenty of water. We'll supply sunscreen and sanitiser.

RSVPs essential so we can manage numbers: Please comment below, or email us at [email protected] to let us know you're coming.
...
At the moment our organisation is 100% volunteer run so if you have other skills to share we are always on the look out. Don't be shy and please let us know of your superpowers! At the moment we're looking particularly for people to help with accounting, volunteer management, project management, grant writing and people with farming and business experience to join our farming advisory board

21/02/2021

Calling all aspiring urban farmers! Farmer Incubator runs an amazing program called the Pop-Up Garlic Farmers program each year. It's a beginners course in small scale farming as you are supported over a garlic crop season through workshops, mentoring, meeting other farming peers and of course farming! It's a great way to learn in a super supportive way. They have just released their latest and final site in Keilor, it's a beauty! You can follow the link below to register for this course 🌱💚

Farmer Incubator's Pop Up Garlic Farmers program is a great way to try farming in a risk free and supported environment while building skills, knowledge and networks as you go. You'll get the opportunity to meet experienced farmers, visit established small-scale farms and hear from experts across a....

16/02/2021

We are very excited about this upcoming event from Farmer Incubator and Young Farmers Connect. New research looking into growing and building new farmer incubators in Australia and understanding some of the barriers and challenges facing aspiring regenerative agricultural farmers in Australia. It's free and it's happening next week. See you there!

03/02/2021

It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly a full year since the inception of Growing Farmers.
It’s really wonderful to see what can be created when a group of determined citizens get together, during Covid no less! The diverse experience and background of the team has been super complementary and some wonderful connections and relationships have sprung up since Growing Farmers started.
Respect and shared visions for a localised food system has kept us heading in the same direction, while our wide-ranging experiences and areas of expertise (or curiosity!) bring a diversity of ideas to the table.
A couple of weeks back we were stoked to be able to all gather around an ACTUAL table together for the first time! Farm mentor and our Treasurer, Leila, kindly hosted the Growing Farmers team for dinner in her beautiful, bountiful backyard (thanks again for the garden tour and tips!). After a year of meeting on Zoom, it was lovely to be able to come together, have some fun, welcome new faces, reflect on the past year and look to the future of the Growing Farmers adventure.
Here’s to community action, to the power of people, to soil, plants, kindness and sunshine!

12/01/2021

We're back and ready to get in the garden again (as if we ever left..!)! If you'd like to volunteer with us, we have some exciting opportunities below. DM us if you'd like to join.

1. **Working Bee at Izzy's Farm - Sunday 17th Jan**
We need all hands on deck!
When: Sunday 17th Jan
Time: 10am-1pm
Where: Fawkner - DM us for the exact address
RSVP: DM us before Sunday to join the fun

*2. Sundays and Wednesdays at Izzy's farm from February*
No need to commit to coming every time. If it's your first time coming, please let us know you'd like to join by DM 24hrs before you want to join. After that you can just join when you're able.
Where: Fawkner - DM us for the exact address

*3. Market Gardening at Fawkner Food Bowls*
When: Sunday, Monday and Tuesday mornings ongoing
Where: Fawkner Food Bowls, 2 Creedon St, Fawkner
RSVP: DM us for details

12/11/2020

Join Neighbours for United Climate Action (NUCA) for their upcoming Community Climate Action Series event about Food Security and the Food Supply Chain on Saturday 14th November at 2pm.

Chris Ennis from CERES Environment Park will be running this session, giving us the lowdown about insecurities in the food system and ways to improve our food supply chain. Leila Alexandra, Growing Farmers Treasurer, will also be speaking more about us and what we are up to at the moment. It’s sure to be a great event. Follow the link below to register:
https://bit.ly/36wRcKo

Here's a little in the backyard. Allowing plants to go to flower and seed is a small local action you can take to help the system out. Some benefits include attracting extra pollinators and saving your own seed. It's a combination of small and big actions that contribute to a more food secure future for us all.