Need help reaching the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables each day for you and your family? Get everyone outside and garden together. If you are enthusiastic about gardening, your children will be too. Research also shows that children who grow their own food are more likely to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Here are some gardening tips from County Agent Sarah Bertrand from the Louisiana State University AgCenter in Jefferson Parish, La.:
- Try not to garden in the hottest part of the day, or if you do, garden in short bouts. Make sure everyone wears proper sun and bug protection. Drink plenty of water to keep everyone hydrated. Go inside when the mosquitoes come out.
- Give your kids a space to take care of that can be theirs. Let them take ownership of the area and allow them the freedom to be creative.
- Limited on space? Try container gardening and choose one plant that is easy to grow when you’re introducing your children to gardening. A couple of successful seasons will build their confidence and experience so they will be more likely to continue gardening.
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