Phil Timms is a grower of vegetable seedlings and herbs, based at Moruya.
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People have bought many thousands of seedlings from Phil to plant in their home gardens over the years.
For Phil, food sovereignty (having control over what is grown, how it is grown and having access to fresh food grown locally and sustainably) is a strong motivation for what he does.
“We need to go back to a time when we had more control over our food system,” he said.
“So many city and even rural people are out of touch with how to grow food. Our grandparents had the skills, even our parents, but what about today’s generation and their future kids?
“Have these skills been lost, not passed down through the generations? We need to close that void and put the power back into our own hands.”
In spite of the availability of cheap and out-of-season food in the supermarkets, people still value their own fresh produce. The SAGE Veggies for All program has been helping people start or return to gardening by running workshops. Supported by grant funding from IMB, the cost to attend has been kept very low and Centrelink recipients have also been eligible to have a fully equipped raised garden bed, including seedlings, delivered and installed at their home, completely free.
A lot of these seedlings have been sourced from Phil and, because they have been raised in local conditions, the success rate for the novice growers has been high. Early success is important to encourage new gardeners.
Growing plants from seeds or cuttings is really not that difficult or scary. To cultivate a garden, no matter what size, takes some knowledge, planning and a little patience.
Through our workshops, you can learn to grow food, whatever your current level of ability. Our next workshop – Germinating and Raising Seedlings – will be presented by Phil on Sunday, October 28, at his nursery just outside Moruya. SAGE members $50 or non-members $65. Bookings on the website sageproject.org.au or call Sandra on 0439 032 038.
Phil sells at the SAGE Farmers Market on Tuesdays and also at the Moruya Country Market on Saturdays.