Think Spring, Think Gardening

A garden is a great place to teach kids valuable lessons while spending enjoyable time together. Gardening can be more entertaining than any video game. Kids get a kick out of playing in the dirt, planting seeds and watching them grow. There is no better way to get kids to 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're involved from the very beginning, they're 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.