Carmarthen youth gardening project gets compost boost

A GARDENING project, set up for young people in Carmarthen, has been given a helping hand to become greener.

Growing Green Teens is a Dr M’z gardening project which teaches young people how to grow their own fruit and vegetables in a plot at Five Fields Allotment.

The project has received two compost bins from Carmarthenshire County Council’s recycling team.

After winning the People’s Millions award last November, Dr M’z were able to employ youth worker Debbie Cox to develop the Growing Green Teens project.

Gayle Harris, project manager at Dr M’z said: “The project aims to encourage young people to grow their own vegetables, which in turn, will help them to develop their skills. We’re hoping to have a bumper crop this year which the young people will then be able to cook and make meals with.

“We’ve been able to compost most of what has been cleared from the plot but not only are we composting what’s on the allotment but also vegetable peelings from the Dr M’z cafe.”

The project teaches the young people about self-sufficiency, money-saving and healthy eating.

The project also uses solar panels to generate their own electricity and they recycle as much as they can, including old ink cartridges and electronic items in exchange for money to go towards activities. Any leftover food goes into a wormery.

Executive Board Member for Street Scene Cllr Colin Evans said: “This project is not just about creating a green environment but it’s also important as it promotes and teaches this to the future adults of Carmarthen. I wish them every success in the future.”

Growing Green Teens now have two plots. If any community groups, schools or young people groups would like to get involved with them please call 01267 222786