The Department of Health is to offer free gardening sessions every Thursday in March as part of activities for Nutrition Month.

Five sessions will teach the public to grow fresh, nutritious food while helping to cut grocery bills.

Mellonie Furbert, public health nutritionist, said in a statement: “We know that people know the importance of fresh food and we also know that it can cost quite a bit. This is one way to save on your grocery bill.”

Minister of Health and Seniors Jeanne Atherden added: “You can learn to grow fresh food, put nutrient-rich fresh produce on your family’s dinner table, and save money at the same time. Maintaining a garden is an outdoor activity that the whole family can get involved in. Even a relatively small garden space can work”

The course runs on Thursdays from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and will concentrate on a specially-constructed experimental plot in front of the Hamilton Health Clinic on Victoria Street.

Chaplain Kevin Santucci, who is known for combining old Bermudian farming methods with square foot gardening to produce oversized vegetables, will be the course instructor.

Sponsors include the Well Bermuda Partnership, Belco and the Bermuda Dietitians Association.

While the workshop is free, participants must attend all five sessions. Spaces are limited. Register by calling Nutrition Services at 278-6467 or 278-6469 or e-mailing nutrition@gov.bm by the end of the day on February 28.