As a proud recipient of our Seed the Future program, Irymple Secondary College based in Irymple, Victoria, have transformed their Agricultural Science elective into a thriving, hands-on food-to-table program. With over 250 enthusiastic students from Years 8 to 10, the program offers an invaluable experience, teaching students every stage of the growing process - from nurturing seedlings to cooking nourishing, fresh meals. Thanks to the support of Diggers Club members, this program has blossomed with a generous donation of seeds.
We spoke with Sarah Doolan, Irymple’s Agricultural Teacher, who shared insights into the students’ journey and the impressive garden they’ve cultivated.
What does the school garden look like?
The orchard boarders 30 plastic shuttles and 35 garden beds that are currently planted up with a variety of flower and vegetable seeds provided by the Seed The Future program. Seeds have been sown directly into the prepared beds or planted and germinated in the 15m hothouse before being planted into the garden beds as seedlings.
What are students growing through Seed The Future?
Students are growing and eating fresh broad beans, silverbeet, radish, carrots, lettuce, spring onions, beetroot and the last of the kale, broccoli and cabbage. Each week they cook with the produce. Silverbeet Pinwheel Pizzas, Pumpkin Scones and Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are some of the favourites.
What have students learnt during this program?
Seed The Future has given the students exposure to a range of heirloom varieties that they have never seen or heard of. Purple carrots, yellow zucchini, black kale and wild sweetie tomatoes all evoked excitement in the garden.
Students have learnt a number of things including:
- Not all vegetables can be planted and grown successfully all year round.
- You can eat some flowers.
- Some crops grow best when planted as seeds directly into the garden bed.
- When planting seedlings it is important to be careful with the root system.
- Vegetables need to flower and be pollinated before they produce a crop.
- Root vegetables grow underground but they have to flower to produce seed.
- Pollinators are an important part of growing vegetables.
- It is ok to let some plants go to seed to feed the good bugs
What is Seed the Future?
Seed the Future is a community initiative by The Diggers Club, supporting schools, community gardens, and local projects with donated heirloom seeds. Through these partnerships, we aim to inspire new generations to grow fresh, nutritious food and foster a love for gardening.
For every new membership, we donate one packet of seeds to #seedthefuture.
How can we support your school or garden?
If you would like to become a recipient of our Seed The Future fund, we would love to hear from you!
We are looking to help schools and communities who are in need of our support by way of donation of seeds. It's easy to get involved, the first step is to email foundation@diggers.com.au with your request. We will soon be in touch to discuss your needs and eligibility.
