On the 40th anniversary of Earth Day (18th of April) AYUDH groups around the world connected via a webcast on the internet to plant seeds together. After Amma has blessed and inaugurated the GrowIn’ project on her last fall tour in EU and USA, AYUDH community gardens have sprung up in USA, Germany, France, India and Australia. As a second phase of the project AYUDH wants to inspire individual youth to grow their own veggies at home, in whatever space they have available.

Planting a few seeds is simple – yet often one lacks the enthusiasm or basic knowhow on how to do it. Therefore, this initiative was launched to create a feeling of togetherness amongst the “green-youth” and provide them with professional guidance in setting up a small garden in their homes – on a balcony or window shelf.

The variety of veggies planted by the youth was as wide as the range of countries of the online-participants: German, French, Austrian, Irish, Belgian and Kenyan youth took part in the webcast. Also the Australian youth planted seeds on that day, but due to the time-difference they were unable to join the live-action. Every participant had prepared little country-flags, which were placed into the freshly planted pots, so that it can be seen on the photos when shared online where each pot is from. In order to document the progress of the plants each group will take photos of their plants in regular intervals and upload them online.

For many AYUDH groups the webcast was just part of a larger programme dedicated to organic vegetable cultivation. Here is the report of the Italian AYUDH group:

“For our first National Italian AYUDH meeting in 2010, we chose a cosy location on the shores of the Lake Monate in Osmate (Varese province) of Northern Italy and we started by preparing and cultivating a garden plot.

After freeing the soil from all weeds and stones, we sprinkled organic fertilizer and created raised flower beds for increased water drainage. Thanks to the mild temperatures, we could sow directly in the soil. We then covered the area with tarpaulin sheets to protect future seedlings from crows, sparrows and other birds.

As a part of this exercise, we planted potatoes, onions, radishes, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and even tulasi.

Two of our most enterprising members, Erica and Carol had prepared a “Growin surprise”. Peat pots filled with earth & various vegetable seeds contained one special surprise…amongst the promise of fresh, organic vegetables comes the delight of a secret sunflower! The fun begins in the next few days as participants will soon discover who gets the precious sunflower!

Even our lunch was themed to protect the resources of the world. It is said that the amount of water taken to produce average cow is sufficient to keep a destroyer ship afloat! As a result, our lunch was decidedly vegetarian!

Through an online linkup, we connected with our friends in Germany, France, Austria, Ireland, Belgium and Kenya simultaneously to hear their activities and share their ideas on this initiative …

The Growin project intends to support individuals by encouraging the cultivation of at least one plant. The excitement of seeing the first seeds break through the soil is amazing. Watching the progress of one’s plants is so fulfilling. Through growing, we are able to reconnect to our local nature and natural cycles of the earth. The delicious, organic goodness we get in the food we have grown helps us feel the benefits of healthy eating & natural nutrition.

At National and local levels, the project aims to create and support youth groups in the exchange of ideas, projects, seeds, knowledge and spread green homes and cities.

At a Global level, “Growin” encourages awareness of global challenges and changing behaviours to help make a positive impact on this earth.

Like the big tree that comes from a little seed, the open themes of the “Growin” range from green farming and agriculture to the many global issues such as those dealt with in the upcoming Milan Expo 2015.

Fotos of the “GrowIn Together” event can soon be found here:
Facebook AYUDH International

And here: Facebook GrowIn’ Together