Just putting it out there that your local library or council may run free seed libraries.
You borrow some seeds, plant them, then allow some of the plants to set seed and donate them back to ‘return’.
They may also run community gardens or events to help you learn. Some might even accept unused seeds from packets. (They will probably prefer those be heirloom seeds though, as those seeds will grow true when saved. Hybrids aren’t good for the purpose.)
Here are a few links as a starting point. This isn’t exhaustive though so if your area isn’t listed on here check your local library or council to see if one is on offer.
https://localfoodconnect.org.au/local-food-directory/seed-libraries/
Such a fabulous idea!
I am jealous of Melbourne. I don’t see any seed libraries in Sydney.
This one looks to be a student thing https://welcome.sydney.edu.au/welcome2023sem1/sponsor/330821/community-seed-swap
Try this one on for size https://www.mappingedges.org/news/the-haberfield-street-seed-library/
There was another link but Lemmy helpfully ate my comment and logged me out when I tabbed away to find the last one