Gardeners of all ages and ambitions are being encouraged to enter a parish garden contest as part of an effort to get more residents to grow more of their own food.

The Department of Health and the Grow.Eat.Save Programme has partnered with the Ministry of Public Works and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to encourage residents and organisations to start their own gardens to improve food insecurity and promote healthier living.

A government spokeswoman said: “To that end, the partnership has unveiled the Bermuda Parish Garden Competition 2022 with the theme Let’s Grow Together.

“The categories are School Garden, Community Garden, Non-Traditional Garden, Small Garden and Large Garden.”

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Registration must take place by September 22 at forms.gov.bm/gardencompetition. The contest will begin on September 23 and ends on November 25.

Entrants must submit photographs of their gardens between November 21 and 25. The chaplain Kevin Santucci will hold a free eight-week gardening workshop for anyone wishing to boost their gardening skills.

Kim Wilson, the health minister, stated: “Gardening is rewarding in many ways. It is an entertaining and healthy hobby that many in Bermuda enjoy.

“I look forward to seeing the photos of our local gardens and what Bermuda is growing. I want to thank Dr Santucci and everyone involved in this exciting project.”