Let’s get growing: Free seeds and boxes for anyone in Kilkenny wanting to plant their own food

Calling all Kilkenny gardeners … it is now the time to put your green fingers to the test and try to grow some of your own food.

Energia has partnered with not-for-profit social enterprise GIY, to give away 1,000 large GROWBoxes to people across the nation to Get Ireland Growing and help power a more sustainable future.

As well as the herb and vegetable seeds, the GROWBox also includes a bag of Irish Wildflower Beebombs which help re-create bee habitats and are vital to help the threatened species survive.

All people need to do is fill out a simple registration form before June 19th at getirelandgrowing.ie to go in the draw for one of the 1,000 free GROWBoxes and Energia and GIY will help support the seed growing journey with an array of tips and tricks.

“We are passionate about helping Ireland become a more sustainable country and know more people are increasingly interested in trying to live a more sustainable life but are not always sure how to do so,” Energia’s Amy O’Shaughnessy said.

Meanwhile, Mick Kelly, founder of GIY, said: “Growing even a small amount of your own food can have a profound impact and inspire healthier and more sustainable food choices.

“As we are coming into summer it’s the perfect time to start planting some of our favourite vegetables and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Energia again to help Get Ireland Growing.

“We’re looking forward to helping you all at home with our many tips and tricks and seeing the beautiful crops you produce this season.”

The Get Ireland Growing GROWBox contains all you need to get growing straight away.  It’s got loads of seeds, pots and a compost block with easy-to-digest resources to make it all straight-forward. Contents include:

• 5 x seed packs: beetroot, carrot, peas, mixed oriental greens and basil
• 1 x hessian bag of Irish Wildflower Beebombs (15/bag)
• Compost
• Fibre seed trays
• Rice husk pots
• Get Ireland Growing tips and recipe cards

Pictured: Bestselling cookbook author Susan Jane White and her sons Benjamin (10) and Marty (8) launching the Energia Get Ireland Growing initiative. Photo by Leon Farrell