Dig In!

Join the First Family and plant your own recession-busting organic Victory garden. You'll nourish your children's insatiable curiosity, and support their mental and physical health. Plus, even picky eaters love to eat what they help grow, harvest and cook. Here are some tips to get started:

1. Find a sunny spot. Most plants prefer at least 6 hours of sun each day. If you have limited space or too much shade, try "container gardening" with a few potted plants on a sunny porch or deck.

2. Invite children to help select seed and plant varieties. Let them dig, plant, water and watch the miracle of life take form.

3. Plant a theme garden:

• Pizza or pasta sauce garden: plant tomatoes, peppers, onions, basil and oregano.
• Taco garden: plant lettuce, chives, peppers, tomatoes, tomatillos and cilantro. 
• Old English tea garden: plant fragrant herbs to make flavorful caffeine-free teas, such as: chamomile flowers, and leaves from lemon balm, spearmint, and peppermint. Lavender flowers and leaves add unique flavor to sugar tea cookies.
• Edible flower garden: pansies, nasturtiums, rose petals and violets make beautiful and tasty garnishes to deserts, fruit and lettuce salads.