Andrea Guerrero prepares to plant herbs within the raised-bed labyrinth at Heartland Gardens, located on McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers.

The Alliance for the Arts’ GreenMarket is offering free gardening classes throughout the month of July. This Saturday, the GreenMarket will be hosting a workshop on self sustainability and how to start growing your own food.

On July 16; Andrea Guerrero, manager of Heartland Gardens, will offer insights on minimizing the pressure of the economic recession by teaching residents how to become more self-sustainable by growing their own vegetables, fruits and herbs.

Guerrero, a resident of Sanibel, will provide examples of current projects one can do in their own backyard, and what concrete steps to start growing your own food.

July workshops continue with Kara Alfaro of Elata Natives on July 23; and conclude with horticulturalist Debbie Hughes of Edison-Ford Estates on July 30.

Join us at the GreenMarket (corner of McGregor and Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers) any Saturday morning in July at 10 a.m. and bring your green thumb. The Alliance GreenMarket is family friendly and offers occasional artistic and educational activities. On select Saturdays, the market welcomes live music from local musicians. Guests are always encouraged to venture inside the Alliance’s main building to view current art exhibits and pick up information about area arts and cultural organizations.

Visit www.ArtInLee.org for more details of all the excitement our community has to offer.