Nothing is harder than getting a child to eat their vegetables, especially in the cold of winter because no one, not even adults, like cool crunchy fresh vegetables over warm hamburgers and pizza when it is cold outside. But living in the Central Valley is a huge weapon in this fight for nutrition because the Central Valley is the "bread basket" of the world due to its favorable growing environment. So growing vegetables, even in winter, can be easy in the Central Valley.
When children are involved in planting vegetables, fruit trees and vines, even a fruit or vegetable that was formerly "icky" to the children before, miraculously becomes quite yummy when they help grow the food themselves. One of the best ways to start a garden, especially in winter, is to start indoors. Get soil at the store, and small pots. Just have the kids put soil in the pots, and plant the seeds. The best vegetables to start planting now are perennial vegetables - rhubarb, horseradish, asparagus and artichokes are among the perennial vegetables that can be planted this month. Transplant them in a month or so along the perimeters of the vegetable garden so they are not in the way as you till or spade each season. When children see the fruits of their labor (pun intended) they will want to taste the product for sure.
Right now is also an excellent time to plant or transplant most any garden tree or shrub; and again, including the kids has many beneficial results: they get exercise, get time outside, have time with parents, learn about botany, get to feel needed by allowing them to help plan out the yard, etc.
Fruit, flowering and shade trees can also be planted right now during their winter dormant season. Likewise, the various types of berries can be set out now, and every kid likes berries, so getting them to eat those nutritious snacks will be easy. Also, both deciduous and evergreen shrubs, including roses can be planted or transplanted within the next month or so. Furthermore, with new regulations going in place making it mandatory to irradiate fruit and vegetables which removes 75% of the foods nutritional value, growing your own garden ensures you that the food will retain its full nutritional value (please see my article on irradiated foods). For a great garden site click here.
On a side note, but an incredibly important note, nonetheless. In August 2010 the Obama administration made it illegal to grow, share, sell, etc., your own food. Is this America? Really? Then who is in charge? Obama appointed Michael R. Taylor Deputy Commissioner for the Food and Drug Administration. This is a newly created position. Prior to his appointment, he served as a senior advisor to the FDA and oversaw many programs funded by the Rockefeller family. The goal? Own all seeds to control all food...which is a direct violation to the American right to Life, Liberty and Property afforded to Americans via the Constitution. His new job? His job is to oversee all food growth. What a devastating blow Americans have taken by the passage of the S510 bill.
So in accordance with the American spirit, grow a garden today with your kids. The biggest one you can. Oh and by the way, if you grow, say, pumpkins and make pumpkin pies for your mom, dad, neighbor, ec., you just might get arrested. To learn more on the bill, please watch the attached video. So, welcome to the new America and start a garden today with the kids.
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