Broadland: Grow Your Own initiative

This project provides residents with free seeds to grow at home to enable them to enjoy their own home-grown, fresh, nutritious produce.

The packs include a selection of seeds which can be grown easily in recycled pots and containers. No garden or allotment is needed to get started just a windowsill and some time to give the seeds a little TLC. It is also a great way to reuse plastic food packaging from the weekly shop.

Cllr Vincent said:

“This local initiative came about through a chance conversation between myself and local resident Brigit Chisholm – wanting to do something positive to keep busy during this time while we stay safe at home - something that benefits health and wellbeing, is suitable for all ages and is easy and cheap to do. Gardening and growing your own ticked all these boxes, and I am delighted to use my member grant to fund this fun initiative.”

As part of the Grow Your Own project, local schools in the Ward, have been invited to take part in a sunflower growing competition. So far four schools (Garrick Green Infant School, Lodge Lane Infant School, Old Catton Church of England Junior School, and Hall School) have signed up with around 650 children taking part in the competition to grow giant sunflowers.

Personalised crates for each school have been produced by local company Epic Gifts and Crafts and donated to the project.

Brigit Chisholm said:

“I hope this competition will inspire children to get more involved in gardening and help them gain a better understanding of how plants grow as well as the benefits that come with gardening – it’s a hobby that is known to boost both your mental and physical wellbeing.”

If you would like some free seeds and live in Old Catton or Sprowston, please email comms@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk with your name and address.

If you live elsewhere in Broadland, please contact us on the above email address we have a limited number of packs available on a first come, first serve basis.

We’d love to see what you grow and your homemade planter creations, so please share your pictures on social media using the hashtag #BDCgrowyourown.