Over 200 species of local native trees, shrubs and ground covers are raised each year through the Tree Scheme. Most of these seedlings are grown in the backyards of volunteers and it is this work, given freely, which makes the Tree Scheme possible.
Trees For Life supplies propagation materials, instructions and support, and links growers with landholders who order the seedlings. Volunteer growers supply time, effort, water and space in their backyards.
In November, growers collect their propagation supplies from a Trees For Life distribution depot.
Growers fill the plastic tubes with a seed-raising mixture (soil mix and slow release fertiliser).
The seed is sown and covered with a fine gravel mulch, and placed under 50% shade cloth whilst germinating. The seedlings are watered daily during the hot South Australian summer and moved into full sun a short while after germination, to ensure they grow up tough and able to withstand dry, hot conditions when planted out in paddocks.
Where several seedlings have germinated in one tube and other tubes are empty, some transplanting is then required.
The seedlings grow through December to May and won’t all germinate at the same time, therefore they need to be sorted by height with the smaller ones at one end of the box and that end turned to face direct sunlight. The smaller ones can be fertilized without affecting the larger seedlings.
Maybe you've had difficulty growing a particular species, or have had some other disaster, eg. grasshoppers ate the fruit of your labours! Don't despair, Trees For Life has organised volunteer backup growers whose seedlings will be able to replace those lost seedlings. Read the March edition of your Trees For Life newsletter, ReLeaf, for information on backup seedlings.
In April or May, landholders are asked to collect their seedlings from their volunteer growers, as they are now ready for planting when the winter rains begin. Some growers like to personally deliver their seedlings to their farmer. It's great for a city family to visit a rural family. Farmers are hospitable people and are often proud to show off their properties and revegetation projects.
Interested?? Growing is now under way but if you are interested for the next season please complete the registration form to grow in 2012 and send it in to us at 5 May Tce, Brooklyn Park or by fax: 8406 0599
Volunteer Grower Registration 2011