Some months ago I came across an absolutely brilliant website called "Ripe Near Me" - http://www.ripenear.me - which is a great resource for gardeners and foodies alike.
The website was started in 2012 when the founders noticed that there were fruit trees around their area that had the fruit going to waste because it was not being picked. The website is Australia-wide but is still in its infancy. I am recommending it because I think this website is a fantastic resource but unfortunately much under utilised and needs a boost along to reach more gardeners. It connects backyard gardeners so that they can swap produce, reduce waste and learn from other gardeners. I have met with 2 other gardeners and swapped produce. I have also collected blackberries and apples from public land locations listed on this website. I have suggested to the founders of the website that they also add seeds to the list. It is easy to use and by entering your suburb you can see on the map that comes up if there are other members near your location. Sometimes they may be just in the next street !
Membership is free and members can post the following:
- Any excess of fruit, vegetables or herbs they are willing to give away
- Any fruit, vegetables or herbs they wish to sell - the price is listed
- As well as vegetables and fruit I have seen chicken and duck eggs for sale
- People can list fruit, vegetables or herbs that they have seen growing on public land
- Members can make requestes to specific growers for certain fruit and vegetables
- Members can list the status of their produce specifying if it is growing or ripe
I sincerely hope that this website becomes more well known and that it expands rapidly which will ultimately benefit all members of that website.
Check this website out and hopefully it will help you in the same way that it has helped me.
Happy growing !
