Council is offering free gardening kits to residents

The Food for Thought initiative – which is now live – is open to all residents in the borough of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, and will give away a limited number of free grow your own vegetables packs, perfect for budding gardeners as well as seasoned horticulturists.

Whether you have a windowsill or a sprawling garden, the grow your own packs will provide the right tools and resources to support and guide you in the world of planting and gardening as well as helping keep your kitchen stocked with fresh vegetables.

The free kit includes compost, pots, two hand tools, gardening gloves and seed packs for radishes, spring onions, pea shoots, carrots and beetroots.

It also contains a helpful information booklet, providing instructions and tips on planting as well as delicious and easy recipes for your home-grown vegetables.

Launching the Food for Thought initiative, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kevin Savage said: “Gardening is a fantastic way to enjoy some light physical activity while also helping offer an outlet for stress and support for emotional wellbeing. What’s more, by growing your own vegetables, you’ll also reap the rewards of getting to cook with home-grown produce.”

Running in partnership with Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, the programme is open to all residents on a first-come first-served basis and applications will close at 4pm on Friday 12 February. See https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/food-for-thought/