Hello everyone, and Happy Earth Day! Today and every day is a great time to get out to improve and enjoy this wonderful planet. Kids, grab your parents, grandparents, friends, and family and get outside to pick up plastic and trash on your walk in the neighborhood (remember to wear gloves). With a little planning, you could plant trees or clean up our rivers, streams, and parks. How about riding a bike, with your parents, to your friend’s house or park instead of taking the car. This cuts down on the fuel and emissions that impact our environment.
Or, like this little guy, August, start flower and vegetable seeds and plant gardens for gorgeous blooms and tasty food. Gardening can be rewarding and healthy for kids of all ages. Learning how to grow your own fresh fruits and vegetables for cooking or giving to others means healthier food because you know the vegetables come from your own garden. It’s better for your health, too, because you’re getting outside and enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. It’s proven that gardening can and does help your well-being. Getting outside in the garden also improves self-esteem and teaches you a lifelong hobby that brings joy to you and others.
Did you know you don’t need a huge garden to grow flowers and vegetables? I have two raised beds, 4 ft. x 6 ft. I plant peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, peas, radishes, and more. You can also plant in containers. You can plant all kinds of flowers in containers, but you can also plant veggies and fruits. Look for seed packets and plants with either container or patio listed. These plants are bred to be smaller but still produce lots of food. Plus, you can move the containers to sunny spots in your yard or on the deck or patio.
So get out and enjoy this Earth Day and every day. If you want to know more about earth day, visit www.earthday.org for information and ways you can contribute to this wonderful planet we live in.