Learn how to grow your own

A local gardening instructor is encouraging Bermudians to become more resilient and self-sufficient by growing their own produce.

Frances Eddy says the drought in California and horrible winter storms on the east coast have caused food prices to rise.

She also says that there is only about two weeks worth of food in Bermuda, so if for some reason ships weren’t able to bring more food, it would be a serious situation.

To help Bermudians to be more self-sufficient, Ms Eddy’s Growing Biointensive method of gardening kicks off in the form of a four-week session starting on March 29.

Students will learn how to plan and prepare garden beds, how to build a compost pile and start seedlings, how to create fertile soil and plant intensively and how to deal with pests and disease.

“I have taught over 500 people in Bermuda already. I’ve been doing this for 11 years and I’m just continuing what I do.

“The thing is, we don’t have any control over the weather that affects us globally. 

“Also, sale prices go up and down so you never know when those things are going to come in play.

“This is not the only reason to grow a garden. It’s a good idea to grow it anyway because your health is better when you know what you’re eating.”

Asked if gardening is common in Bermuda, she said: “I would say there’s a growing interest in gardening. I’m seeing more and more gardens in people’s yards than before.

“I think people are waking up to the reality, also there’s the cost of food.

“We already have food that’s expensive. 

“When I go to the supermarket and I look at the price of fruit and vegetables, I think, how on earth can a family afford to eat enough fruit and vegetables to keep them healthy?”

Speaking on our dependence on the US for most of our goods, Ms Eddy said: “Anything could happen to the food or transportation to Bermuda. California provides 80 per cent of the fruit and vegetables to the USA.

“In fact, they are the sole producer of almonds in the US. 

“If something happens to affect the almonds in California, what are we going to do?

“We have about two weeks of food in Bermuda at any given time before the next ship has to come in.

“If we have a crisis where we have to depend on our local farmers for food, all of a sudden, it’s important.”

Ms Eddy’s solution is for everyone who has space to start a garden.

For more information on the Grow Biointensive gardening method or to register for classes, Ms Eddy can be contacted via email on [email protected] or 238-0059.

The class is $125 for the four-week session and includes the course book.