Uralla Garden Club Show Organiser, Peter Low, said many of us often wonder if we could really live off the land and become self-sufficient, at least regarding the food we eat.
“The truth is, many local residents achieve a high level of self-sufficiency for fresh veggies and fruit,” he said.
“While being 100 per cent self-sufficient for food can be really hard work, getting 80 per cent of the way is certainly achievable, even in years when it is hot and dry!
“At this year’s Uralla Show, Uralla and District Garden Club will demonstrate some of the tricks to achieving this when the season is against you.”
Many Garden Club members not only have nice flowers in their gardens, but have very productive veggie patches and fruit trees.
As well as providing some beautiful flower displays and tips on flower arranging, they are going to be on hand to pass on their experience, helping people with basic questions about home-food gardens.
• How can I set up a garden in a small backyard, and make it flourish enough to feed a family all year round?
• What are the tricks to keeping my plants alive in hot, dry weather?
• How can I complement my gardening with some egg laying chooks?
• How can I preserve fruit and veggies to have home-grown produce all year round? What is the essential equipment, and how does it work?
To this end, Garden Club members will run demonstrations on Vacola preserving, high pressure canning and drying of fruit and veggies.
Poultry experts will give the very popular chook washing demonstration people saw last year. This year the demonstration will expand, with sessions on backyard poultry keeping. Different types of poultry suitable for home use will be on show at this demonstration.
Many experienced Garden Club members will answer questions on plant pests and diseases, plant identification, and most importantly, which plants will survive the harsh New England winters (including summers).
There are many ways to grow your food – some like their own plot in the backyard for fresh produce including tomatoes, herbs, spinach, and beans, which can all be grown in a small space. Others have grander plans that need more area. This has led to shared gardens such as community-based gardens. This is the way club members operate in Uralla, with a garden plot that feeds their families, plus any surplus shared among friends.
Uralla Show is a true rural mix of events. Highlights include ring events, merino sheep judging, Kentucky Station Uralla Woodchop, horse and pony events, pavilion and interactive displays, food stalls and sideshows.
Not to be missed on Saturday night is the Demolition Derby, followed by a fireworks display. Uralla Show will be held Saturday, February 2 at Uralla Showground, King Street, Uralla.
