Community gardeners in Ireland could win €100,000

Community gardeners in Ireland could win €100,000 in funding through the Grow It Yourself and AIB's 'Get Ireland Growing Fund' - but you'd better get your skates on as applications close on 23 January!

Over 100 community food growing projects were funded during 2014, with grants of between €500 and €2,500. They included schools, allotment sites with community gardens and charities trying to develop or enhance an existing community food growing initiative.

Among those to receive funding were an 'edible quayside' project in New Ross, a food-growing intiative in a young person's probation centre in Cork, a peat-free growing project at Bog of Allen and a healing herb garden at Mt Congreve in Waterford.

It's a great opportunity for gardeners running an after-school club to get youngsters fired up about growing their own veg, or communities getting together to turn a neglected corner into a vibrant veg garden which everyone can enjoy.

To apply for a grant, go to the GIY International website at www.giyinternational.org. You'll also find details of how to set up your own group or community garden - so why not get out there, get organised, connect with your neighbours and get everyone growing in 2015!