On your marks, get set – GROW! Free packs of growing kits for Kilkenny people

A hugely successful scheme aimed at getting more people in Kilkenny growing their own foods has been extended by the local authority.

Since its launch in March, some 830 growing kits have been distributed throughout Kilkenny enabling people to start growing their own food at home.

These free growing kits, provided by the Kilkenny County Council in collaboration with Grow it Forward, have five packs of seeds – tomatoes, peas, carrots, oriental leaves and beetroot.

People who receive seeds are then asked to ‘Grow it Forward’ by giving some seeds, seedlings or produce to another 10 people.

With ‘Get Ireland Growing Day’ approaching this Saturday, the local authority is encouraging more people to get planting.

Grow it Forward ambassador Marie Smith said: “This has been a hugely beneficial initiative, getting people to grow their own vegetables at home.

“Through sharing with neighbours and friends, communities have all gained from the experience and will have lots of produce come harvest time,” she added.

To encourage more people to get involved in growing vegetables, Energia and Grow It Yourself (GIY) are promoting a Get Ireland Growing Day people can tune into live tutorials and get tips from the pros.

Anyone interested in getting involved in the iniative can contact Kilkenny Library Services on 056 779 4160 or email info@kilkennylibrary.ie.