William Grant & Sons – maker of Hendrick’s gin – is continuing with its ‘Grow Your Own Cuke’ initiative challenge to raise funds for the industry charity the the Drinks Trust.

The challenge encourages participants into growing cucumbers at home, with William Grant & Sons making a donation for each successful first cucumber.  According to the company, the cucumber is the preferred garnish for a Hendrick’s gin and tonic.

William Grant & Sons has made an initial donation of £5000 to the charity and will donate £10 for every first sprout, £20 for every first flower and £30 for every first cucumber grown. Friends and families will also be able to sponsor the participants’ green-fingered forays at a dedicated Just Giving page.

Participants can register online to receive their ‘cucumber cultivation kit’ and prizes will be awarded at a later date for achievements including ‘wonkiest cuke’ and ‘most respectable cucumber’.

The initiative is part of the William Grant & Sons Standfast campaign, which has raised thousands of pounds for hospitality industry charities over the past year.

“At Hendrick’s we take our love for cucumbers and roses very seriously. There is no other cucumber of our eye, not other rose-tainted glasses. Except of course for our one true love, and this is the hospitality industry,” said the company.

Hendrick’s brand ambassador Sarah Berardi said: “It is surprisingly easy to grow your own cucumbers at home. I have been doing it for years, and not only do I have the most unusual gin and tonic garnish always ready at home, the plants are also particularly wonderful conversationalists.

“Furthermore, ‘getting your hands dirty’ is scientifically proven to reduce stress – so what’s not to love.”