Grow It Yourself groups are springing up all around the country! That is, groups of local food growers networks that recreate the camaraderie of allotment growing for back-garden vegetable growers by getting them together on a regular basis to learn from each other and exchange tips, stories and produce.
Grow It Yourself Ireland was launched in September 2009 and is supported by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. There are already 55 GIY groups throughout the country with over 3,500 GIYers involved. The first GIY Week in Ireland was held from February 20th to 27th, during which there were talks, garden visits, demonstrations and seed, tool and plant swaps.
GIY membership is free and open to people interested in food growing at all levels, ie from growing a few herbs on the balcony to complete self-sufficiency, from beginners to old hands.
GIY Ireland hopes to see a group develop in every town and county in Ireland. Check out giy.ie to find out more about the joy of ‘growing it yourself’, to locate your local group and to communicate with GIYers nation-wide.