Just Like the First Lady
Posted by Elena Rosemond on Kids Cuisine.
While the rest of the country has spent the last few months going on and on about Michelle Obama’s svelte arms and dynamite fashion sense, D.C. has been abuzz about something else — her White House garden. This garden is the first vegetable-producing plot at the White House since Eleanor Roosevelt’s war-era victory garden. Mrs. Obama’s garden, planted with the help of local school children and maintained by the first family and White House staff, will not only support the White House, but will send food to local shelters and food banks.
While I was reading all the articles and listening to the radio stories about community gardens spring up, I thought about how I could apply this to the countless hours a day I spend trying to entertain a three year old.
When I was growing up I did some gardening with my parents, and I remember clearly the pride I felt for my plants. Gardens are a great way to foster a sense of responsibility and obligation. The upkeep of herbs, fruits, and vegetables is a big duty, but it’s fun and a great way to incorporate lessons into everyday life. Watering your plants every day opens up conversation to topics like water cycles and the need for food and sunlight.
We planted a tomato plant, a jalapeño plant, and two green bell pepper plants. As they grow and start to produce, we’ll be able to use the fruits and vegetables for everything from pizza to tacos. Home gardens are a great way to help your kids understand where their food comes from, to provide organic fresh food for your family, and to use up a little time each day during the school-free summer months!
