Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley said maintaining a backyard garden is a fun and healthy way of feeding one’s self.

The minister’s comments come as the ministry launched a Backyard Garden Competition to encourage residents to grow their own food. Honourable Wheatley extended an invitation to all backyard gardeners to register and participate in the competition.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has been sharing weekly tips to help gardens grow successful crops.

Week 1 Tip: Did you know backyard gardens are associated with better nutrition and food security? Food from your garden is fresher, healthier, more nutritious and less expensive.

Week 2 Tip: Did you know many plants and vegetables will do very well in containers? A vegetable container garden can be easier and less time consuming than a large in the ground garden.  Some suitable crops are herbs, peppers, broccoli and green leafy vegetables.

Registration for the competition began on April 16 and will end on May 1. The contest will run for six months with winners being announced on World Food Day on October 16.

For more information, to register for the competition, and to view community garden photos, video presentations and tips, visit the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Facebook page @GOVIDOAF using the link https://bit.ly/2yYnGji

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• 2 Photos of Did you know’s