Easy Foods Kids Can Grow in the Garden

Update: 3/17/22

Looking for a fun Earth Day activity?

March was National Nutrition Month, when the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reminds everyone to return to the basics of healthy eating, and now Earth Day is April 22nd.  Celebrate by growing your own produce with your family.  Enjoy the fruits of your harvest all season long!

Gardening may help your kids eat enough fruits and vegetables because when they lend a hand in the process, research shows they are likely to eat more produce and try different varieties as well. Gardening is a great way to spend time with your family outdoors and can also build self-confidence and provide a sense of responsibility.

Make Kids Part of the Planting Process

Allow your kids to choose the fruits and vegetables they enjoy eating and add other reliable plants suitable for your region and climate.

Go Herbal

Herbs are easy to grow and excess can be frozen in ice cube trays to be stored in the freezer or even dried for later use.

Dig What Grows Below Ground

Digging for vegetables like Beets can be a great way to introduce a new colorful vegetable to your child.

Click here to read more tips on gardening with your family.

Link to original article: Easy Foods Kids Can Grow In the Garden

Starting Plants Indoors - April

Updated: 3/27/23

Get a jumpstart on growing your own herbs and veggies this year!

It’s the perfect time to start plants indoors. It’s easy to do and a fun activity you can do with your family.  You can usually find seed starter kits complete with seeds, pots and dirt anywhere gardening supplies are sold. Herb seed starter kits can be found as early as March.

1. Basil. Start indoors around April 15th and transplant outdoors around May 20th

2. Tomatoes. Start indoors around April 15th and transplant outdoors around May 20th

3. Melon. Start indoors around April 15th and transplant outdoors near June 1st

4. Corn. Start indoors around April 15th and transplant outdoors near May 15th

6 Ways to Give Your Yard an Eco-Friendly Makeover

With the arrival of spring, here are some landscaping ideas to contribute to the overall health of the planet, turning your yard into the perfect “green” space.

1. Attract bees and butterflies. If you have a garden, you will want these pollinators in your yard. Planting a diverse array of native plants with a staggered bloom that bees and butterflies are attracted to will draw them to your yard all spring, summer or fall. Your local nursery will be able to help make suggestions.

2. Welcome bats as the organic pest-control powerhouses they are. Bat houses for these flying mammals with a creepy reputation on your property will help you control pests.

3. Go native with wildflowers and grasses. Cut back on mowing the grass and add some wildflowers and grasses native to Michigan. Check with your nursery, as some may grow too easily and become invasive.

4. Plant your own salad. Increase the biodiversity of your yard by starting your own garden. You’ll save money, get exercise and enjoy the fresh fruits (and veggies) of your own labor.

5. Harvest water from the sky. Install a rain barrel to capture any falling precipitation.

6. Lower your cooling cost with trees. They help clean the air, provide shade and beauty, and can help reduce home cooling costs in the summer depending on how they are planted.

Link to original article:  http://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/2017/04/06/6-ways-to-give-your-yard-an-eco-friendly-makeover/

Make a Fresh Start with Spring Foods

Update: 3/17/22

Are you taking advantage of spring produce?

Spring is here!  It’s the perfect time to hit the reset button and reintroduce fresh spring foods into your family’s diet.  Involving your children in the snack or meal prep process can also make them more likely to try new foods.

Spinach: This superfood is packed with vitamins A, C and K, essential for eye health, immunity, strong bones and other body processes. Spinach also contains enough folate and iron to help prevent anemia while magnesium and potassium are important for muscle development and growth.

Yogurt: At 8 grams of protein per 6 ounce container, Yogurt is a great source of protein. This calcium-rich food is also important for building strong bones and teeth and is a great source of probiotic bacteria which helps promote digestion.

Strawberries: One cup of this sweet and colorful vitamin C packed seasonal fruit also provides 3 grams of fiber. They are loaded with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.

Asparagus: Available in green, purple and white varieties, asparagus spears can accompany all kinds of foods. Asparagus is an excellent source of folate, iron and vitamins A and K.

Hatching Chick Hard Boiled Eggs

Updated 3/17/22

We thought this was too cute to not share!  Have a little fun with your kids or grandkids this spring creating this fun and healthy snack using hard boiled eggs and carrots! Hatching Chick Hard Boiled Eggs

Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lE1vQZwmtfM