KATHY'S HOME & GARDEN TIPS - GARDENING WITH THE KIDS
If your children are not too fond of veggies, there is a sure fire way to get them interested. Grow their own!
It's a little too late this year for plants like tomatoes and peppers but you can still plant lettuce and peas. Sugar snap peas grow quickly and are so sweet kids won't even realize they're even eating vegetables.
Something about planting and caring for these plants gives children a sense of accomplishment. Teach them about watering and weeding. Every day check the plants. When the first blossoms come out they will be thrilled! Beans are also a quick crop and can be grown in a small area. You can even sauté them in a skillet with EVOO and garlic. Children will see not all veggies come in a can or freezer and actually have flavor!!!
Even tomato haters will find it hard to resist sweet grape tomatoes (toms) fresh off the vine. Harvest plum toms and turn them into spaghetti sauce. What kid doesn't love spaghetti? All our kids need to know more about where their food comes from. Plan trips to the local farmer's market. This kills two birds with one stone. Eating foods grown closer to home is healthful and green. Showing kids that an actual person nearby grows their food is insightful.
Veggies can be grown in planters for you condo dwellers with a balcony. If you have no place for even a container garden check out community gardens in your area. Let's start teaching the next generation the joy and simple pleasures of gardening.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
