The pandemic has seen a record number of people turn to growing their own food and discovering the joy and pride that brings. The process of seeing a seed turn into a seedling and eventually food you can eat is full of magic and no shortage of optimism. Grow it Forward is all about sharing that feeling as far and wide as possible at a time when we need it most. That’s why we’re inviting people to get free seeds and do good deeds. – Michael Kelly, Founder of GIY

WHAT IS GROW IT FORWARD?

Grow It Forward is a national programme to help half a million people #KeepWell by growing their own food.

In partnership with Healthy Ireland and Libraries Ireland through the Government of Ireland’s Keep Well initiative, we are giving away 50,000 free seed packs and asking participants to use them to share the experience with 10 people. In all, we aim to support half a million people across Ireland to enjoy the wide range of benefits that come from growing food at home.

HOW DO I GET A PACK?

To get your free pack simply register using the form below and we will post it to your address. Alternatively, you can contact your local library, as all 330 branches are helping to drive the effort by sending out packs as well. If you get a pack from your local library don’t forget to sign up for your free growing plan HERE.

WHAT’S IN THE PACK?

Each pack includes seeds for beetroot, carrots, salad leaves, peas, and tomatoes; a guide to help grow them, and a postcard and gift tags to help share them. Those who sign up will also receive regular e-mails with growing support, video clips, and ideas for how to ‘grow it forward’ by passing on seeds, seedlings, or produce in accordance with social distancing guidelines.

HOW DO I GROW IT FORWARD?

After you receive your free pack we ask that you share the experience with nine other people to help us reach our goal of 500,000 people in total. How you choose to share this growing experience is up to you – you can put seeds in the post, leave seedlings outside your house, drop fresh produce off to your neighbours or whatever you can think of. We will be sharing lots of Grow It Forward ideas and stories to give you some inspiration throughout the campaign