Think Spring, Think Gardening

A garden is a wonderful place to teach kids valuable lessons while spending enjoyable time together. Children love playing in the dirt, planting seeds and watching their plants grow. There is no better way to help children eat veggies than to grow their own.

• Let them choose. While at a nursery or garden center, ask your children to pick out a few seeds or plants they want to grow. If they are involved from the very beginning, they are more likely to remain interested throughout the growing season.
• Continue in the kitchen. Invite your children to help you make dinner by adding cut-up garden produce to a salad or soup, and let them snack on a few as you cook. Don't be surprised if they learn to love veggies.
• Put kids in charge. Ask your child to create and name new vegetable or fruit creations. Let them arrange raw veggies or fruits into a fun shape or design.