Give Your Kids a Green Thumb: Earth Day

Have you ever been interested in beginning a garden at home? Let Earth Day inspire you to get started! Learn about the benefits of growing food right in your own backyard.Eat FreshNothing beats the taste of fresh-picked fruits and vegetables; the texture and flavor far exceed what you can buy at the market. Behind the ScenesWhen you grow your food yourself, you know exactly how it's been tended to, when it's been picked, and how fresh it is. There’s no need to worry about unnecessary pesticides! Talk to your child about gardening and Earth Day, and explain how we can take care of the Earth by making good gardening choices. Make sure to use non-toxic fertilizers, and avoid pesticides or other products with dangerous or synthetic ingredients. Consider Your BudgetDid you know that one tomato plant can provide 10 pounds of fruit within a single season? And that a pack of seeds costs nearly the same as a single fruit or vegetable at the store? You can also grow organic vegetables for a fraction of the cost! Some of the most cost-effective vegetables include yellow squash, zucchini, lettuce, specialty peppers, and cucumbers. When you have your own garden, your budget (and your grocery bill!) will thank you.Learning ExperienceGardening is a family-friendly activity that lets children engage their senses, get their hands dirty, and learn more about where their food comes from. This helps them make wiser food choices. Without your child even realizing it, they learn the scientific process through gardening! They also learn patience and responsibility as they plant, water, and harvest their own plants, and younger children enhance their fine motor skills. Share Your ProduceWhen you have your own garden, you have unique opportunities to teach your child about giving back to the community. Encourage him to take some of his prized produce and donate it to the local food bank or to the struggling family at church. You can also help him cook a meal for your neighbors.What to Grow?Keep things simple and start small. By choosing the right plants to grow, you’re more likely to succeed as you learn! Green beans, zucchini, radishes, jalapeños, salad greens, and tomatoes are all easy to grow and harvest. Grow herbs as well, such as basil, thyme, and mint. Because these plants require minimal maintenance, they’re the perfect way to introduce your child to gardening.At Polk County Private Schools, we foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us at 407-246-4800.