(BPT)—For most kids, “eat your vegetables” sounds about as much fun as homework on a Friday—but as adults know, vegetables are a necessary component of a healthy lifestyle. Want to get your children excited about veggies? Grow your own with them!
Studies show that having children participate in vegetable gardening helps teach them responsibility, fostering a sense of ownership that ups the likelihood they’ll eat vegetables more often. Really!
Growing your own vegetable garden has other benefits, as well. Aside from having fresh, fortifying food stocked at home, tending to your garden also serves as outdoor exercise, and can even have de-stressing effects.
Vegetable gardens also shrink your environmental footprint, allowing for composting, as well as for cutting down the use of natural resources used for commercially-grown crops.
Many vegetables are amenable to a variety of living situations—even container pots on an apartment balcony. Leafy greens like arugula, kale and spinach are ideal for beginners, especially if using transplants, which eliminate the challenge of starting from a seed. (You’ll reap the harvest six weeks sooner, too!)
Consider starting with staples like broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, sweet potatoes or tomatoes—these nutrient-packed foods are a delicious accompaniment to any meal. Your family will thank you!
Source: Bonnie Plants
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