More than twenty members of the Soroptimist Club on Tuesday October 9 visited the Department of Agriculture to learn how to set up a home garden to grow tomatoes, celery, peppers, herbs and more. Director of Agriculture William Vanterpool and Sheldon Richardson explained details of the correct mixture of soil, how to fertilize and its importance, and how to treat pests.
Sheldon gave a practical demonstration of setting up a tyre garden using two tyres and filling at least eight inches in depth. Members were encouraged to plant tomatoes and celery and are going to maintain the plants by returning to the Department to assist with fertilizing on a regular basis.
The visit was arranged by the Environmental Committee of the Soroptimist Club that plans next year when members have experienced their own home gardens to visit schools and encourage home gardening. The idea is that in turn the children will go home and start gardens at home. This will be in keeping with the Department’s theme “In Every Home a Garden”.
