At the Social Crust we have talked often about creating a garden that provides an opportunity for our clients and volunteers to get involved together in growing veges, increasing our food security and at the same time enjoying being community, sharing knowledge and learning as we go.
So, when we were approached earlier this year by Jane Riddiford from Ruāmahanga Farm Foundation about collaborating with them to grow a paddock of veges for the Martinborough & Greytown Food Banks we jumped at the chance.
The project will be based on the Carb Club model that already operates very successfully at Ruāmahunga Farm. The genesis of this idea came from Sheldon who runs Vagabond Veges in Greytown.
It follows a low input, low impact model of vege gardening that requires no irrigation. If you are surprised, as we were, that no irrigation is needed Jane explains that “by growing from seed and applying mulch, whatever moisture in the ground will be accessed and the plants that make it through the dry patches will be sturdy ones and all the more resilient”.
We’ll be growing carbohydrate veges: potatoes, pumpkin and corn, (hence the name Carb Club). The garden will have an outer perimeter of a flowering overcrop which will include sunflowers, wild clover, field radish and buckwheat. These will all improve soil structure, attract beneficial insects and look beautiful.
What is so wonderful about this new project is that it brings together the skills, generosity and good will of a number of community groups and individuals:
Martinborough Wine Maker Services are providing a lovely big paddock, near to The Social Crust. The paddock will be accessed from Princess Street but is one back from the road frontage.
Richard Kershaw will provide the machinery and skill to disc plough and harrow the ground in preparation for planting.
Vagabond Veges Greytown are sourcing the seeds for planting and Saskia Wanklyn will provide the planting plan and lots of helpful advice.
Jane Riddiford, from Ruāmahanga Farm Foundation, and some of their Carb Club team members will work alongside the Social Crust Garden team for the first season providing expertise and encouragement.
Ben and Helen Masters will lead out The Social Crust Gardening Team and are looking for volunteers to join them.
Apart from helping with the planting in November it will require 3 or 4 hours once a month over the growing season for weeding, mulching, hoeing and then of course harvesting.
We’re excited about this new project. Be in touch if you’d like to join the gardening team.
