Improving Child Nutrition Through Gardening

God created the earth for our benefit. “Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:18). It is a miracle of creation that seeds planted on the earth can grow to become plants that feed us.

Gardening is a great way to provide good nutrition for children and families. Fruits and vegetables grown in a garden can supply the nutrients children need to properly grow and develop.

What are the benefits of gardening?

Gardening is a great way to have a supply of nutrient-rich foods for your family. Eating nutrient-rich foods helps children grow and develop to their full potential, and children will be more likely to eat nutritious foods if they help grow them in a garden. Gardening is also a way to save money and become self-sufficient with your own supply of food.

What types of food should children eat?

Children need to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods. This helps them grow strong and healthy and avoid some diseases. The foods that some children eat daily do not provide enough nutrition. For example, some “common foods” (like rice) do not contain a sufficient variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

At first, children may resist eating certain healthy foods, like dark-green leafy vegetables and fruits. Parents can help children get used to these foods. You can do this by continuing to offer these foods and by preparing these foods in different ways.

How can gardening improve children’s nutrition?

Family gardens can be used to produce fruits and vegetables that are nutrient-rich. These may help improve children’s nutrition. In addition to nutrition benefits, growing a garden can help family members learn principles of self-reliance. As they work together, gardening can build cooperation between family members.

There are many different ways to grow a garden, even at a smaller scale. For example, small pots or other containers may be used where large garden spaces are not available. Some plants produce food quite quickly while others take several months.

How do I start growing a garden?

Before you start gardening, consider whether a family garden is possible. Would it help your children to eat more nutrient-rich foods? Afterwards, learn good gardening practices, such as choosing a good location, planting, preparing soil, accessing clean water, ensuring sun exposure, and more.

While working in a garden, also consider how you can teach your children principles that apply in other aspects of their lives. For example, gardening can teach them about work, nourishment, and patience.

How to Help Others Grow a Garden

Local leaders, including ministering brothers and sisters in congregations, can use this information to help individuals get started with gardening. Consider these and other ideas as you pray for guidance.

Ministering Brothers and Sisters

• If you know how, encourage and teach gardening to the families you minister to.
• Share garden produce with neighbors.

Local Leaders

• Look for local resources that provide information about gardening. Local information can be valuable when helping families better understand local crops, climate, and soil types.
• Help families successfully grow gardens. Help arrange for community or individual garden spaces, which may include organization and education efforts.
• If possible, contact those who have been successful in supplementing nutrition with garden produce. Invite them to be available as a resource to others who want to start their own garden.
• Help families get the supplies they need to be successful. This is especially important for families who would have difficulty getting supplies themselves.
• Organize workshops where people can learn gardening skills.