What is a volunteer grower?

A volunteer grower raises local native seedlings from seed in their backyard, for revegetation projects or landholders. It’s satisfying and enriching work.

How do I start?

First you need to make sure your yard gets full sun.
If you become a grower, Trees For Life will supply you with a step-by-step instruction book and all the materials you will need.

What does Trees For Life supply?

• Polystyrene boxes (each holds 60 seedlings)
• Soil mix
• Slow release fertiliser
• Propagation tubes
• Gravel mulch
• Seed of native plants
• Instruction booklet
• Labels

Six boxes of materials easily fit into the boot of a car.

Do I need a green thumb?

No. But you will need time, commitment and the ability to read and follow propagation instructions. We also run propagation workshops in October of each year for growers.

What is the timeframe?

The growing season starts in November (we will advise you of a location near you to collect your propagation materials), the seedlings are propagated over summer and you will then hand them over between April and May the following year if you’re growing for a revegetation project. If you are growing for a landholder, they will make arrangements to collect the seedlings from you.

How much time will this take?

Growing seedlings takes time. These are basic tasks you will need to do:

• Filling tubes (about one hour per box; but faster if you enlist the help of friends and family);
• Once boxes are set up and seeds sown, they need to be watered every day;
• Check seedlings regularly for progress and problems;
• Careful transplanting.

How much space is required?

Six boxes take up one square metre. It is critical you have a bench of comfortable working height to take care of your back and to keep your boxes off the ground and away from pests, soil-borne diseases and animals. Benches must be of a reasonable quality – a few bricks on the ground are won’t work.

Shade and sun – how much do the seedlings need?

The boxes need 50% density shade through the early stages of germination and first growth. Seedlings then need full sun for most of the day. To get the best result, set your bench up in full sun and cover it with 50% density shadecloth for the early stages.

What else is involved?

Seedlings require daily watering (twice a day during peak heat) and need to be checked regularly for pests. Some transplanting and thinning out will also be required. The Trees For Life Propagation Booklet provides information on pest, transplanting and thinning out.