Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get involved?
Energia Get Ireland Growing 2022 is now complete, but you may still have some question!
How could I have taken part in this campaign?
- I am part of a community group
Gather: Find out who is interested in your group and register for Energia Get Ireland Growing. We suggest a minimum of 3 people eager to get some growing going.
Transform a space: Now is the time to imagine new ways to introduce plants and food to your area. This could be a pallet vertically planted with strawberries, a tower of tyres planted with potatoes, a herb bed instead of a strip of lawn, a green patch by a path that has been let go wild for pollinators. It could be a small bed of lettuce in a local park or a patch of carrots in the heart of the estate. Consider using the space your group already has access to, and make sure that you have the necessary insurance.
Celebrate: Come together and host an Energia Get Ireland Growing Day, July 2nd. Gather with your neighbours and group members, share seeds / seedlings, share a meal together, do some plotting (literally and figuratively!).
If you are already a community growing initiative, this is a chance to connect with local community groups, transform part of the space with new recruits, and reconnect through Energia Get Ireland Growing Day!
- I am part of group of friends
If you are not yet part of a community group, you can still take part. Bring the fennel into the friend group – bring the compost tea into the coffee morning.
First, find a small group of people interested in growing, decide on a group name, and register for Energia Get Ireland Growing.
Then, plan your activities. Can you plant seeds in each other’s gardens? Can you host an Energia Get Ireland Growing day together to swap seedlings?
Follow the campaign on social @EnergiaGIG #GetIrelandGrowing, and download the free GIY App to access exclusive Energia Get Ireland Growing challenges and tutorials.
What is in the Community Grow Kit?
Twenty seed packets, bunting and invitations for Energia Get Ireland Growing Day, and a resource book on how to get started.
How do we know if we will receive a Community Grow Kit?
You will receive a welcome email between May 4th and May 11th. If luck is on your side, you will also receive details of Community Grow Kit delivery (these kits will be randomly allocated from the week of May 23rd onwards).
What do we need to get started planting?
Seeds, a hand trowel, compost, a container or a patch of ground, signs, a vision and a routine! (growing is about showing up regularly, just like building community!)
Check out the Energia Get Ireland Growing resources
Are there any rules for planting in a public space?
Ask yourself two questions: Who owns the land? Do we need insurance to use it?
When we host activities in public spaces that we are responsible for, such as volunteer days or events, public liability insurance covers us for any accidents that might happen. We can take out cover for a year or for once-off events.
If you are a community group, you likely already have insurance.
If you are a friend group, engage with a community group or host something in your private space.
If you would like to explore insurance further, FBD insurance offer cover for community growing activities.
How do we identify space for planting?
As a community group, is there part of your community space that could grow some peas this year?
As a friend group, the easiest thing is to start in your own back gardens or balconies. The second easiest thing is to find out what is already growing in your area. Is there a vegetable patch that you walk past every evening? Is there a local star grower that you can learn from? Is there a community board in your local post office / library / shop that posts notices of community clean-ups and workdays? Are you part of a residents association that manages your shared green space? Reach out, say hi, explore what they are doing and how you can get involved.
How can we find out if there is a community gardening group near us?
- Community Gardens Ireland cgireland.org
- Dublin Community Growers dublincommunitygrowers.ie
- GIY Groups: changex.org/ie/giy
- Men’s Sheds: menssheds.ie
How can we connect with a community garden?
Most community gardens have a Facebook page, if not a website. Generally community gardens have a sign describing their opening hours and how to contact them on their gate. Keep an eye out for a community board in your local post office / library / shop that posts notices of community clean-ups and workdays. Get in touch with the person responsible for community activities in your local council to ask about what is already happening in your area.
When are we ready to start a community garden?
A community garden is made first of the community. Use this campaign to explore who is already growing, who would like to start and who is interested in growing together.
The most successful community gardens are adapted to the needs, skills and dreams of the local community. Start with a small planting, and use Energia Get Ireland Growing day to plan your next steps. Further down the line you will need to consider land access and rental, as well as finances, public liability insurance, and forming a committee so invest in this planning stage to set the scene. You may want to stay the size you are, and that is beautiful too!
Here are some useful guides for community garden set-up, from the fabulous folk at Community Gardens Ireland: Learn more
What awards can my group win?
There are six awards on offer:
- A community hero from each of the four provinces can win a GIY annual subscription.
- The best Energia Get Ireland Growing Day will win a €500 GIY voucher.
- The Best Space Transformation will win a cash grant of €1000.
How do we apply for an award?
Share a picture of your submission on social media using the hashtag #GetIrelandGrowing and tagging @EnergiaGIG before July 3rd.
Why not use Energia Get Ireland Growing Day as a day to submit for the awards?
Can we apply for multiple awards?
Yes, before July 3rd.
How are the awards selected?
A panel of judges will choose the best submissions based on the award criteria.
When will the awards be announced?
Saturday July 16th.
What are the awards Terms and Conditions?
Awards Terms and Conditions can be found here.
You made it to the end!
It’s a sign you should gather, transform, celebrate and apply for the awards!
If you have any growing questions or queries please do drop us an email at hello@getirelandgrowing.ie