Growing Places Indy launches program offering gardening assistance

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Growing Places Indy is launching the Plant it Forward program to help people start their own gardens in Indianapolis.

The program will give the tools, training and other resources to residents, community organizations, schools and churches.

A total of 25 Plant it Forward participants will be shown how to build a garden with hand tools, seeds and locally grown transplants. Participations will also receive access to several workshops; they include Gardening 101, Pest Control, Organic Growing Practices, Soil and Pest Management, and Healthy Cooking. 

Plant It Forward aims to support the vitality and sustainability of the region’s agriculture, build long-term economic self-reliance and food security, and expand access to high-quality foods in underserved areas through locally grown foods.

Organizers want use the program to address diet-related issues and increase food security in Indianapolis.

In the video, Executive Director Victoria Beaty talks about what inspired the program and how it works.

An Indy Food Council Food Fund grant helped start the program. The city government’s Office of Public Health and Safety is a partner of the Indy Food Council.