Gardening and healthy eating go hand-in-hand

The elementary school students in Evanston are learning to garden. And how to eat healthy. These two things are in fact the same.

Some elementary school teachers in Evanston say they have found a solution to the age-old problem of getting children to eat their vegetables: Help them grow their own.

Elementary students in several Evanston schools are rolling up their sleeves and planting gardens as part of a wellness program to persuade students to try new foods and eat healthier.

"Our kids are very interested in gardening and even do it during recess," said Karen Bradley, principal at Dawes Elementary School. "They're getting more connected to where food comes from and are willing to try different things."

Community gardens at schools are a fabulous learning tool and we hope more schools will get involved in these projects. We applaud Dawes Elementary School.

If you have an interest in writing or "blogging" about gardening, please tell me why by emailing me at readingonwalden@att.net or calling me at 773-233-7633. Reading on Walden Bookstore.