The island’s traditional Agricultural Exhibition should have started today, but has had to be sidelined because of the Covid-19 pandemic.However, pupils at the Bermuda Institute in Southampton have staged a mini-Ag Show online with produce from their vegetable gardens.The children also decided during their online lessons this week to donate their produce to help feed the island’s homeless.Latoya Tull, a teacher at the school, said she had “never seen such a strong drive from students desiring to learn more about cultivation”.She added: “This year was promised to be an exceptional one because we had more students who showed a keen interest in being a part of the Ag Show.“Our principal, Wayne Edwards, had already provided an area on the campus for growing produce because this was an important component of our school.“But growing became even more fun when I told my students that we’re going to submit samples from our designated plot of land to the Ag Show.”Ms Tully said: “Although Covid-19 has stopped the show, students are continuing to grow.”The three-day exhibition in the Botanical Gardens in Paget celebrated its 80th anniversary last year.Organisers of the 2020 show gave 2ft by 2ft box gardens to schools and other organisations to grow submissions.Jeff Sousa, a former MP and one of the show’s organisers, said his garden store was close to the school and had worked with its pupils.Mr Sousa added: “The Ag Show is so dear to me. It’s unbelievable — no one will forget 2020.“Obviously, we can’t do anything about it. But, as an Ag Show committee, we have one more year to prepare — 2021 will be that much bigger and exciting.”Mr Sousa said there had been a “renaissance” in the cultivation of crops at home since the shutdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak.He added: “I’ve never seen Bermudians wanting to grow fruit and vegetables or keep chickens the way they are now.“With children, it’s great. Any community event has to involve youth. These vegetable boxes were a great idea, because they will all take that interest in growing home from school to mom and dad.”Ms Tull said her pupils became excited after they realised crops could be grown without a piece of land.Her science class planted seedlings in 8oz cans.She said: “I had one young man who opted to select non-fiction books about planting during his silent reading times.“Then he would remove his personal plant from the window sill in the classroom, and place it directly beside him as he read.”Another green-thumbed student tried planting something every other day.Josie Thomas, 11, said: “Taking care of plants is such a beautiful experience. It is also beautiful to see the sun shining down on the leaves.”Josie added she had turned to growing peppers as the weather warmed up.The group continues to share their new love for growing produce online.Ms Tully said it showed why the Ag Show “continues to be a key factor in the lives of our young people”.She also highlighted quotes from other children in her class.Nazai Tomlinson, 11, said the experience had been a good one, and if Bermuda “had to stand on its own two feet, then we will be able to get by growing our own foods”. Kanon Gibbons-Lewis, 11, added: “It made me feel relaxed and taught me patience.”Andrew Maule, 11, said looking after his plants had been a boost to his confidence.Pedro Durrant, 12, said: “It feels good to raise something.”Kion Madeiros, 11, added: “I have never done anything like this before, so I am grateful I am now doing something that can help my community.”• Do you have a flower, plant, vegetable or animal that you were going to display at the Ag Show? Send your details and pictures to news@royalgazette.com