Louth’sgiant pumpkinsgeta €1,000boost

THE future of Giant Pumpkins in County Louth is safe, with the news that the local GIY (Grow It Yourself ) received a grant of €1,000 from the community food growing fund ‘Energia Get Ireland Growing’!

It’s part of a fund of €75,000 which was awarded to community food growing projects all across Ireland.

Giant Pumpkins Ireland GIY, Togher organises a new growers seminar each spring with a detailed tutorial and detailed skill sessions to help new growers maximize their success and harvest. In October, they host a famed weigh-off where they offer cash prizes to the growers of the heaviest fruit with a special class for growers in their first two years.

‘ They have had a huge increase in growers in recent years, 2018 will be no different,’ said a spokesman. ‘ To successfully and independently be able to host our Giant Pumpkin Weigh off we need a pallet scales capable of accurately weighing our fruit, which can weigh over 500 kg! For this a pallet scales are also essential.’ Other recipients included community groups, schools, NGOs and Not for Profits, community gardens and allotment groups, GIY groups, hospitals, crèches, direct provision centres and men’s sheds from Kerry to Donegal and beyond. Each group was awarded funding ranging from €500 to €2,000 with one group receiving €5,000. All of the projects have an inclusive approach and they all aim to encourage more people to grow their own food within their community.