March 20 was the one-year anniversary of the White House Kitchen Garden, and Mrs. Obama’s project continues inspire us all – as well as her campaign for health and fresh, local food.
I recently read a post on the small winter harvest from the garden – an amazing story of the garden that survived Snowmaggedon 2010 – one of the worst winter storms in history. In spite of the harsh winter weather, the garden produced about 50lbs of produce, according to Sam Kass – White House assistant chef and Food Initiative Coordinator. Watch as he tells the story in this video:
Being that I am constantly struggling to grow anything beyond some simple herbs on my deck, it is stories like this that give me hope.
I live in a modest townhome in extreme suburbia and this year I am working on both a deck garden and a few small garden beds in my back yard. My whole family is involved from choosing what we are growing, to building the raised beds, to planting the seedlings – and eventually nurturing the plants and harvesting the bounty. There are more lessons in this process that can be counted – and the time, experience, and satisfaction is (and will be) great.
No matter where you live – whether it is an urban, suburban, or a rural setting, I urge you to grow some of your own food. Trust me, if I can do this – anyone can.
5 resources to get you thinking – and even started on your path:
- Proof you can grow your food anywhere – from Yahoo Green
- Learn what a suburban garden IS and IS NOT – Garden Rant
- Ordering seeds – Seeds of Change
- Don’t have anywhere to plant? Start or participate in a community garden – American Community Gardening Association
- Get an edible schoolyard started at one of your local schools – The Edible Schoolyard
Getting ourselves more connected with where our food comes from, celebrating the ‘fruits’ or our labor (literally), enjoying the exquisite flavor of food that travels from our backyard to our plate, making a ritual with our families and communities to prepare and enjoy meals together are only a few reasons to do this.
Please share your ideas, reasons, rants and plans here!
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This is great news. I had no idea that the White House garden was going to be a four-season project. Gives me hope for what I can do.