Researchers with Saint Louis University found that children who were served fruits and vegetables from a homegrown garden were more than twice as likely to eat the required five servings a day as those who rarely or never ate homegrown produce. In addition, children who grow up eating fresh-from-the-garden produce are more likely to enjoy the taste of fruits and vegetables over other foods, see their parents eating fruits and vegetables and eat a greater variety of produce. 

When I read this research I decided to try to start a fruit and veggie container garden to teach my kids about where food comes from and encourage them to eat more produce. I have an eight year old son and a four year old daughter, so involving them in the creation of the garden was a little challenging, but fun. 

After seeing the high price ($100) of a pre-fabricated container garden at the store, we decided to build our own. My husband constructed a small garden bed with wood he had cut at the hardware store for only $24. My son had fun helping him put it together, which only took about 30 minutes. My daughter enjoyed picking out the fruits and vegetables to grow and planting the seeds. We decided to plant carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash and watermelon because I read on www.kidsgardening.org that those were easier to grow.

 I don’t have a green thumb, so I’m unsure if they will actually grow, but it was a fun activity for a beautiful Sunday. I’m going to involve my kids in the process of watering everyday, harvesting and cooking of the vegetables. I think this will not only be an opportunity to learn about how food grows, but also will teach my kids responsibility. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes. 

Do you garden with  your kids? What do you grow? Have you found that it helps them eat healthier? Check out my blog, Five a Day the Fun Way, for more tips on teaching kids nutrition, healthy eating and recipes.

Healthfully,

Stacy Cacciatore

http://fiveadaythefunway.com

www.stacycacciatore.com