Olympian challenge for community gardeners
15 February 2012
A new competition is challenging Londoners to compete in a food-growing Olympics in the latest push to create more than 2,000 growing spaces in the capital by the end of the year.
The six-month long Grow for Gold competition is open to groups who want to start a new community food-growing space. More than 1,500 groups have already signed up to the scheme, set up by London mayor Boris Johnson and run by Capital Growth.
Boris Johnson said: 'You can produce your own medal-winning fresh fruit and veg as the starting pistol is fired on this summer's games.'
Free training - based at the scheme's allotment in Regent's Park - as well as advice, support and garden vouchers, are on offer to groups signing up before mid-February. They'll also be entered into a prize draw for five cash prizes of up to £1,500.
Judging will take place during the 2012 London Olympics, with winning gardens chosen for each of five categories, including supporting wildlife, community engagement and education. The group judged to have created the most inspiring garden will also be declared the overall winner.