GIY grows out of recession

EVERYWHERE I go, every dinner party, every pub, every chance meeting, the topic of conversation is always the same — recessionary chit-chat and endless whinging about the hopeless ineffectual politicians.

Yet if one poses the question — “Well what would you do if you were Taoiseach or Minister of Finance?” — no one seems to have a coherent answer and, let’s face it, there are few amongst us would like to be in their shoes at present.

So while the politicians et al are trying to find a solution, let’s help ourselves. Ordinary people like you and me can make a difference. One of the most exciting recession-busting initiatives I’ve heard about is the Grow it Yourself (GIY) movement, a new not-for-profit organisation which was started by young Dublin journalist Michael Kelly, who moved to Waterford with his family five years ago. They dreamed of the good life, growing their own vegetables, having a few hens, etc. Despite their enthusiasm and know-how, starting their own vegetable plot proved daunting. It was difficult to find advice — even beginners’ guides to growing-your-own are full of gardening jargon and botanical terms — cultivars, hybrids, tilth, chitting, broad casting, pricking out…