Growing Gardeners workshop participants Henry Vega Ortiz and Abigail Zuber. — Photos by Camille Andersen

By Camille Andersen

The City of Somerville Health and Human Services Department hosted a Growing Gardeners workshop last Friday and Saturday for Somerville residents who were brand new to gardening. The goal of the event was to provide gardening knowledge and supplies to people who have never gardened before. Many residents don’t have the opportunity to utilize these resources.

Participants who attended the event were met by cheery staff who walked them though the process of making a portable garden and caring for it. To make their garden, participants filled a milk crate with fabric lining and potting soil and then chose several plants from the selection available. The plants included strawberries, herbs, and a variety of flowers.

Roughly 46 people signed up for the Saturday session and the city’s goal is to distribute around 270 crates over the course of the summer. The Health and Human Services Department assembled and delivered crates to those who were unable to transport their homes.

Steven Flythe, one of the organizers of the event, detailed the city’s plans to make the Growing Gardeners workshop an ongoing event throughout the summer and fall. They hope to change the selection of plants and vegetables depending on which will thrive during the current season and continue to encourage a new group of gardeners throughout the city.

Residents are encouraged to visit somervillema.gov/GrowingGardeners or call Steven Flythe, Health and Human Services Case Manager, at (617) 448-5347 to reserve a spot. Registration required. Space is limited.