Up2Us Landcare Alliance, as part of the From the Ground Up project supported by Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, is trialling ways to increase the number of pollinators in the garden for more efficient and effective production.
The trial will involve working with a Mansfield organic vegetable gardener to plant different native plants, such as common fringe-myrtle and purple coral-pea, strategically around their vegetable plot.
The landholder is also using this opportunity to diversify her income by selling native flowers as well as vegetables.
Goulburn Broken CMA’s Kerstie Lee said growing food required pollinators, and pollinators ranged from the European honeybee to other species including native bees, wasps, flies, beetles and moths.
“We’re really interested to know how to attract pollinators to productive vegetable and fruit gardens all year round,” she said.
“Whether it’s a small backyard garden plot or a large productive vegetable garden, all food plants need to be pollinated.
“It’s a really timely trial as people are more interested than ever before in growing their own food, especially fruit and vegetables, and this is the best time of the year to start planting for pollinators.”
Findings from the trial will be shared with interested growers.
For more information about the project and integrating native vegetation into productive areas, contact Kerstie Lee via email on kerstiel@gbcma.vic.gov.au or phone 0437 310 840.
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