Indoor Herb Kit for Tots

Kids will enjoy this indoor herb gardening kit. Studies have shown that when kids are involved with produce gardening, they tend to eat more vegetables and fruits. It is a useful (and inexpensive) gift that will entertain and teach them at the same time.

By Veggie Tales

Gardening Improves Kids' Veggies Intake

Spring is the ideal time to start a garden. Motivating children to participate in gardening activities at home is a fun event! Programs and activities that connect children with healthful food through fun, hands-on events have a long term effect on their fruits and vegetables intake for life.

Studies published by the Journal of American Dietitian Association  show that in a particular sample, "most children (97.8%) enjoyed taste-testing fruits and vegetables. Children also liked preparing fruit and vegetable snacks (93.4%), working in their garden (95.6%), and learning about fruits and vegetables (91.3%). Impact data suggest that the intervention led to an increase in the number of fruits and vegetables ever eaten, vegetable preferences, and fruit and vegetable asking behavior at home."

It is really an obvious way to promote exercise, outdoor activities and healthy eating habits!

The University of Illinois launched a free kid-friendly step-by-step guide perfect for beginners. Click here to check it out!

Source: Journal of American Dietitian Association and University of Illinois 

Growing Organic Veggies

Growing your own organic veggies can be a lot of fun, and is definitely a lot cheaper than buying them in grocery stores.
I've tried a couple of times, but unfortunately always lost the battles to bunnies and chipmunks. They seem to be a lot faster than me, specially during their night shifts!

Raised in apartment buildings, I've never had the opportunity to develop a green thumb! Since moved to a house, our few attempts to plant some fruits, veggies and herbs have been quite entertaining to our neighborhood speedy critters.

The Daily Green just published 9 easy steps to develop an organic garden, and although the Winter is approaching quite soon, there are several techniques to grow and maintain an indoor garden. Click on the sources below for detailed information, and step-by-step guidance.

Sources: The Daily Green for organic gardens, and About.com for indoor herb garden