Initiative to boost young garden and greenhouse fan numbers

The number of garden and greenhouse enthusiasts in the US could be set to rise thanks to a joint initiative from the Green Education Foundation (GEF) and Lowes.

It is seeking to get 10,000 schools and youth groups to take up the Green Thumb Challenge of planting gardens by spring next year.

The organisations are providing information on how to go about getting permission to create a school plot, as well as hints and tips on how to get started and maintain the green space.

GEF president Victoria Waters explained that the project is a "perfect solution" to the bodys aim of promoting creative ways for educational establishments to get students active outdoors.

"[Gardening] is a great project for families to work on together throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons – and families can also save money on their grocery bills," added Lowes senior vice-president of outdoor living Patti Price.

Meanwhile, advanced master gardener Jane Ford has given readers of the Fort Wayne News Sentinel some gardening tips, saying fall is an important time for pruning and preparing for the new year.