Make a garden with your children - find a space in your yard, in a community garden, at school - or in a planting box. A ‘garden’ can be made in any container or series of containers. Include your child in planning, planting and caring for the ‘garden’.

As long as there is ample light and warmth, containers make happy homes for radishes, cherry tomatoes, herbs, strawberries, lettuce varieties, baby carrots and scented geraniums. Children are fascinated with growing their own food and will eat what they grow!

Hands-on experience engages your child and teaches patience, responsibility and the pleasure of work. Understanding how food is grown inspires curiosity and expands a child’s willingness to try new foods.

Plant a fragrant tea garden using herbs such as peppermint, spearmint, lemon verbena and chamomile. When plants mature, snip a bouquet using a combination of herbs; wash gently and place in a teapot. Pour boiling water over the herbs, let steep for several minutes for a delicious, fragrant herbal tea.