Virgen: elementary school students shape their own garden oases!

Virgen: elementary school students shape their own garden oases!

In the municipality of Virgen in East Tyrol, the LEADER project, entitled "Self-provided from your own garden", began on September 1, 2024. This ambitious project, which is designed for a term of three years, is funded by the EU. The aim is to encourage citizens to cover their food needs through the own cultivation of fruit, vegetables and herbs. Project manager Birgit Winkler sees the initiative as an important step in promoting self -sufficiency.

As part of the project, a special program for the second classes of the Virgen elementary school is also offered. Under the motto "Small garden in the box", the students are actively involved in the entire process. They design the plant boxes, sow different plants and maintain them in the classroom. Here you will be supported by the project manager. The boxes have been lined with garden fleece and provided with creative decorations.

insights into horticulture

At the beginning of May this year, the boxes were filled with soil and planted with a varied selection of plants, including chives, radishes, arugula and strawberries. The children proudly show their little gardens they have designed themselves. In addition to practical experience, the project also offers workshops and training courses to deepen the knowledge of horticulture and to promote exchange with other hobby gardeners.

The project is not just limited to school. Virgen's citizens are also encouraged to become active through various tapes such as home gardens, raised beds and community gardens. Particular attention is paid to the promotion of old and seed -resistant vegetables and the improvement of soil fertility. In this context, further training and courses are part of the program in order to convey extensive knowledge to the participants and to support them in their gardening work.

sustainable initiatives and their importance

The project "Self -provided from your own garden" is part of a growing movement that deals with urban gardening. Urban Gardening projects can be found in numerous German cities and transform gray areas into green oases. These initiatives contribute to local food production and improve the microclimate while creating a living space for insects. City dwellers gain a better understanding of how foods grow, which promotes their environmental awareness.

The advantages of such garden projects are diverse. They not only offer access to fresh food, but also promote social contacts and cohesion in the community. Even in densely populated areas, urban gardening is important because it helps to reduce transport routes and increase biodiversity. Various projects strengthen the exchange between age groups and cultures, which is crucial for sustainable development in urban rooms.

The costs of the project "Self -supplied from your own garden" amount to 162,103 euros over the three years, which are financed by funding. The project aims to arouse interest across the municipal boundaries and to share the ideas and experiences of hobby gardeners. Project manager Birgit Winkler is available to interested citizens for further information. It can be reached at the email address self-sector@virgen.at or by phone at +43 676 7292 809.