Children to plant City Crop

Date posted: 26 October 2014

More than 200 children will visit Adelaide Botanic Garden today Sunday, 26 October, to plant the City Crop with heirloom sweet corn.

For the first time the community has been invited to get hands on in the crop, which has previously produced wheat and barley.

The City Crop project was established to connect children with where their food comes from and highlight the importance of farming in our state.

“The City Crop provides the community with the opportunity to have a hands on gardening experience in the heart of the city,” Director of the Botanic Gardens, Stephen Forbes said.

“Today children will plant more than 1,200 heirloom corn seeds before returning in February next year to harvest the crop and enjoy sweet corn from the garden.”

Children involved will discover the joy of growing fresh produce and learn the skills required to grow healthy food at home.

After planting their seeds there will be fun, educational activities on offer including building mini scarecrows to take home and bigger versions to protect the crop as it grows.

“The aim of the Botanic Gardens is to connect people with plants and this project is starting that journey from a young age,” Mr Forbes said.

“Planting day provides children with the opportunity to get outdoors, learn new skills and collaborate with the community.”

Those unable to attend planting day are encouraged to have their own celebration at home and can follow the project by subscribing to the City Crop e-Newsletter or reading the City Crop blog.

Thanks to The Diggers Club the City Crop will be planted with heirloom sweet corn variety, True Gold.

Thanks to our City Corn Crop supporters for helping to make this project possible, The Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society, ElectraNet and The Diggers Club.