By Julie Garden-Robinson, food and nutrition specialist, NDSU Extension
When late May arrives and I plant flowers, herbs and vegetables, I think about all the gardening I did as a child.
We lived up to our last name of “Garden” with a large vegetable garden in town near our house and an even larger vegetable garden in the country.
I had specific assignments depending on my age and manual dexterity. When I was young, I helped plant the onions, potatoes, pumpkin and squash seeds, and snap beans. I am not sure that I ever graduated to planting the tiny carrot seeds.
My clothes, hands and knees were covered in soil by the time we finished. I did that on purpose.
When harvesting time arrived, I told my parents that I would be buying my food when I grew up. I think shelling large tubs of peas led to that comment. They just grinned at me.
Yes, I am eating my own words.
Many years later, I completed the NDSU Extension Master Gardener course. I have volunteered in various ways as part of that program. I encourage you to explore the gardening courses offered by Extension organizations found throughout the U.S.
Gardening is beneficial on several levels. You will learn about the science of horticulture, get physical activity and have access to fresh produce at its freshest and most nutritious.
A recently published study that analyzed 22 previous studies from around the world, showed that gardening can improve health. People who gardened showed improvements in mental health, with less depression, anxiety and stress reported.
Gardening reduced body mass index (or BMI) among some gardeners, likely due to increased physical activity and improved nutrition. Gardening also helped people maintain their brain function.
Every summer we do gardening activities with children in the childcare center on campus. I look forward to their delight when their patience and tending is rewarded. They enjoy seeing lettuce, beans and squash plants peeking from the soil.
Researchers have shown that children gain a variety of skills as they grow plants. They learn to tend plants, explore science and develop relationships and cooperation skills in the process.
Helping grow vegetables often promotes more vegetable consumption among children.
Children will need some assistance with planting, so invest in some child-sized equipment, such as small watering cans, trowels and gloves. Many children’s books about gardening are available. Visit a library or read along with children’s gardening videos found online.
We have many resources to help with “garden to table” efforts. See www.ag.ndsu.edu/fieldtofork for links to previously recorded webinars and materials to view online or print. Check out the food preservation information; if all goes well with gardening, you will have bounty to can, freeze, ferment or dry.
Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D., L.R.D., is a North Dakota State University Extension food and nutrition specialist and professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences.