What is the Farmshed Growing Collective?
The Growing Collective is a diverse group of people that volunteer their time growing seedlings in Farmshed’s greenhouse. The group is made up of both first-time and experienced home gardeners, along with several community groups. The Collective grows vegetable starts from seed, including heirloom, organic, and unusual selections of tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and many more. Each member creates a plant order for themselves and makes a commitment to help care for up to 10,000 plants that will be part of the group’s plant sale–with proceeds going to support Farmshed’s programs.
The Growing Collective is just one of Farmshed’s many programs that support its mission to grow a resilient local food community. The Growing Collective is one way Farmshed provides opportunities for participation, education, cooperation, and action in Central Wisconsin’s local food economy.
Where is the Growing Collective located?
The Growing Collective is located at Farmshed’s Greenhouse, in the heart of downtown Stevens Point. However, we have members from all of the CW area.
How did the Growing Collective get started?
The Growing Collective was created in 2013 by a group of 17 founding members, who all came together to collaboratively grow vegetable starts from seed. Since the beginning, the group believes that shared work and decision-making, along with strong community, communication and education, can create an inclusive, sustainable collective. We work within the support and framework of Farmshed to strengthen our local food community. As we continue our work together, we remain committed to these beliefs.
How many members are in the collective?
Last year, we had 67 members in the collective. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not sure what our numbers will end up being this year.
What is collective about the Growing Collective?
We maintain guiding principles that work to foster a cooperative atmosphere, and a collective structure. These principles are…
- Collective leadership and group decision-making
- Collaborative learning among membership to strengthen our growing practices
- Strong communication, thoughtful planning, and clear organization
- Shared knowledge, experience, skills, time, and resources
- Diversity among our membership
All and all, we work hard to assure that we maintain an inviting atmosphere that fosters collaboration and inclusion.
What are some of the benefits of growing collectively?
One of the benefits that I, personally, see in our model is the collaborative and connected community that has built up around our program. For instance, there is a lot of diversity in our membership when it comes to experience, gardening strategies, and scale. In working together to cultivate these seedlings, we are able to learn from and rely upon one another.
If I join the Growing Collective what can I grow?
As a large group of people, we have broken up our organization into different action teams. So, if you wanted to be part of the conversation around what we choose to grow, you can join our Seed Selection Group! They work together to develop a “Planting Proposal”, which is then approved by the membership. From there, we host a meeting with the entire collective where we choose our seeds based upon the recommendations made by the Seed Selection Group.
Currently, we grow Tomatoes, Tomatillos, Hot & Sweet Peppers, Herbs, Onions, Leaks, Edible Flowers, Summer & Winter Squash, Eggplants, Melons, Lettuce, Celery, Broccoli, Kale, Cauliflower… and much, much more!
I am newly interested in gardening. Would the Growing Collective be a good fit for me?
Yes!! Regardless of your level of experience, we welcome all to join! You will most certainly learn more about gardening, and likely meet a few folks who would offer advice & mentorship.
Is there a training program for new gardeners?
Not explicitly. However, there are a lot of opportunities to ask questions, learn from one another, and run ideas past other gardners.
Is the Growing Collective a good place to meet other gardeners?
Most definitely! Through our volunteer work & meetings, it is a great opportunity to meet other gardeners in CW.
I understand the Growing Collective holds a Spring Plant sale. What can I find at it?
We sell all of our varieties at the Plant Sale! Everything from Sun Gold Cherry Tomatoes, to Red Rubine Brussel Sprouts! We release a Plant Sale Catalogue with a list of our varieties in the weeks leading up to the Sale.
How can I join the Growing Collective?
- Decide what level you would like to enroll based on how many plants you would like to pre-order and how much time you would like to share in the experience of the 2021 Growing Collective. Please note, all members of the Growing Collective must also be a member of Farmshed.
Growing Collective Membership Levels
Level 1: Pre-order 15 plants and earn by volunteering 10 hours ($5 program fee)
Level 2: Pre-order 30 plants and earn by volunteering 20 hours ($10 program fee)
Level 3: Pre-order 45 plants and earn by volunteering 30 hours ($15 program fee)
Level 4: Pre-order 60 plants and earn by volunteering 40 hours ($20 program fee)
Level 5: Pre-order 90 plants and earn by volunteering 60 hours ($30 program fee)
Volunteer: No membership fees + Great experience + Community participation!
The majority of opportunities to fulfill hours occurs mid-March through the first week of June. But don’t be intimidated, there are plenty of ways and opportunities to earn hours in this period.
- Pay your Farmshed membership AND Growing Collective program fees online.
- Start logging your hours! As a member you can start earning hours right away by attending our monthly meetings and learning about the plans for the season ahead
Is there anything else you would like to share with me about the Growing Collective?
It’s a really amazing group. I think everyone would benefit from joining! Plus, there is nothing better than spending the end of winter in a warm, sunny greenhouse. 🙂
Where can we find more information about the Growing Collective?
You can always email me at ella@farmshed.org, or check out our website: www.farmshed.org/growingcollective