One of my earliest memories is my mother and I in her garden. I think I was about 2 or 3 years old. The garden was full of flowers, raspberries and many different kinds of vegetables sparkling with rain drops. It was natural, organic, food and it was magical.
When I had my own place I always found room to have a garden. Even when all I had was a small condo balcony I grew container tomatoes.
Today I share my garden with my kids and grand kids and here is why:
1.) It encourages kids to try new healthy foods and live healthier.
Getting your kids involved in all aspects of the garden encourages them to make new healthy food choices, learn new skills, and they get fresh air and exercise. If you start now they will enjoy a lifetime of making healthy food choices. And organic raw, whole food picked from their very own garden has to be the healthiest choice of them all!
2.) Food from the garden tastes better.
Every gardener I know is passionate about what they grow. They are caretakers of the soil, the seedlings, the plants… and that healthy energy is evident in the flavor of the food.
An example of a beautiful organic garden
3.) There are no chemicals or pesticides.
I would rather know what is in and on my food because I put it there. Real gardeners respect the land and nurture and feed the soil. They do not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
4.) It helps us to meet the Healthy Food Guide’s recommendation for eating more fruits and vegetables.
According to this important food pyramid, adults need 7-10 servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every day and kids need 4-6 servings. It is a lot easier to do when it is available from your own backyard.
I believe organic vegetable gardening is good for the soul and the planet. Today it seems even more important to eat fresh organically grown fruits and vegetables from our gardens. Our kids need healthy food to eat. So mom, dads, grandparents, trade in your laptop for some quality time with your family. Go dig in the soil. Hmmm – “soul” and “soil” they are almost the same word.
Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity.
~Lindley Karstens