When we save seed, we are taking radical action to prepare for the future in a powerful gesture of hope. Plants adapt to the conditions they grow in, so growing from saved seed makes for healthier and resilient plants. This is especially important in the face of a changing climate.

In this workshop you will be saving seeds from common vegetables and will be able to take them home.

You will learn

How to save seed from several types of vegetables
To save seed using wet and dry methods
How to prepare and store seed
How seeds are pollinated and to prevent cross pollination
How to save seed for long term genetic viability
Tips and tricks to ensure seed saving success

Learning will be a mindful, creative mix of theory and hands on, with a focus on connecting and building relationship with the plants we work with. This workshop is for gardeners of all abilities and people wanting to deepen their connection to nature through growing and harvesting practices.

Since childhood, Leila has connected deeply with nature, especially food and medicine plants. She’s a life-long experimental gardener and has developed a unique style of low-work, no-dig, forest gardening. Over 7 years, she transformed her urban rental into a food forest growing over 100 types of plants. Leila lives for slow and simple abundance, and is dedicated to inspiring and supporting others to create wild, edible gardens that connect us in profound ways to the earth, self and others. Her business, Barefoot Food Gardens, offers workshops, courses, forage wanders, consultation, nature connection facilitation, and garden co-creation collaborations. A seasoned educator, Leila encourages learning with hands, heads and hearts, in creative and interactive ways, that support opportunities for deep connections with nature. Leila is also a mother, poet, community activator, writer and barefoot forager.

Please feel free to bring any surplus produce, seeds, cuttings, plants, gardening magazines etc to swap and share!

Please note that this is an event for Naarm/Melbourne gardeners only. If you live outside this area, please contact your council to find out what free sustainable gardening events are available locally.

This event will be hosted outdoors on a site with uneven ground. Seating will be provided. In the event of heavy rain the event will be rescheduled. If you have any access or support questions or requirements in order to participate fully (eg. interpreter), please let us know at least two weeks prior to the event and we will be pleased to assist you. Photos will be taken at this event, but there is an option to opt out on the day.

This My Smart Garden event is proudly presented by Maribyrnong City Council on the land of Wurundjeri Woi Wurung and Bunurong of the Kulin nation. My Smart Garden pays our respect to Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledges that First Nations peoples have cared for Country sustainably for tens of thousands of years.

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