KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – PLANTING A GARDEN 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! 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. You can teach them about watering and weeding, by every day checking 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, which you can even sauté in a skillet with EVOO and garlic. Your kids will learn first hand that not all veggies come in a can or from a freezer and actually have flavor!!!
Even tomato haters will find it hard to resist sweet grape tomatoes fresh off the vine. Harvest plum tomatoes and turn them into spaghetti sauce. What kid doesn't love spaghetti? Our kids need to know more about where their food comes from. One easy way to teach kids is to take a trip to your local farmer's market. 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
