Only Natural by Sarah Pye - Kids on the Coast

When the Greens's Fly off the plate

If you could get crisp fresh, healthy vegetables on the table at a fraction of the cost, would you do it?  What if the solution also gave you a fun-filled family activity along the way?  And what if it was likely to get your kids to eat their greens?

It doesn't matter if you do a huge grocery shop every week or just grab fresh stuff as you go - it is easy to see the cost of fruit and vegetables is on the rise.  Economists will tell you this increase is directly related to oil. As the price of fuel goes up so does the cost of transporting  fresh produce from the farmer to the retailer and, as always happens, this cost is passed on.

At the same time controversy rages about the effects to our health of genetically modified foods, and chemcial fertilisers and the price of organic produce skyrockets.  As a parent, it's hard to balance health and budget, decipher truth from fiction and make an informed decisons for your family.

One Sunshine Coast mother, Leonie Shanahan, is convinced that kids who grow their own food have more fun, a  healthier diet and save money.  Trained in horticulture and an active member of Noosa Permaculture, she decided to put her vegetables where her mouth was and get kids enthused about growing their own.

"Children today eat so much lifeless food - full of preservatives, artificial colouring and food never seen in nature," she says.

"I wanted to teach kids the life skill of growing food."

There are three ethics of permaculture - caring for the earth, caring for people and the philosphy of 'fair share' and reducing  unnecessary consumption.  Using these principals Leonie has successfully set up 11 school garden programs since 2004 and recently took over running Permakids workshops at the Peregian Permaculture Gardens. With a little help from an army of volunteers, Leonie is educating the Coast's children about healthy eating and getting them enthused about their greens.

Currently Leonie has created programs at Tewantin State School, Peregian Beach Community College and Palmwood State School.  In the latter, students from years four and six participate in composting, building beds,planting seedlings, caring for plants, harvesting and seed collecting.  The school's veggie patch was established in 2005 and school community enhancement officer Clare Cox says it was surprising how little  the kdis knew when they started.

"simple things like filling a watering can without getting wet, not stepping on the garden, or cutting a zucchini gently so they don't destroy the plant all has to be taught," she says

"parents are encouraged to volunteer in the garden and, without a doubt, those of us who work with the children can see the deep learning they gain over time from being involved in this hand's on activity.

"some students have roused at their parents for not putting enought veggies on their plates at home," Clare laughs.

Jacinta Richmond's is one of those parents.  Her seven-year-old daughter Leilani participates in the garden at Peregian Beach Community College and it has changed her outlook towards food.

"As a result of her experience, Leilani sent me off to get some pots, soil and seedlings," Jacinta says

"She is interested in what I put in a meal, and then likes to tell me how it was grown".

"As I prepare food, she plants whatever parts of the plant are appropriate and now we are waiting to see what sprouts."
    

Your child doesn't have to attend one of the lucky schools to learn about growing their own food.  Leonie runs three-hour-long Permakids workshops at the Peregian Permaculture Gardens.  Sponsored by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, these events are available to any child from five to 12 years for the miniscule price of $5 per child.

"Children spend too much time inside and often don't have backyards,"  Leonie explains

"It's good for kids to be exposed to fresh food first-hand and Permakids makes that experience available to them."

"Our garden is full of nutrients essential for healthy bodies, brains, memory and immune systems."

My daughter Amber went along to see what the fuss was all about, and what an exciting time she had.  During an active morning she learned how to make a 'no-dig' garden, painted a worm tower, created a high-rise strawberry patch that would fit in any townhouse garden, and even painted pots and planted peas.  Before she knew it the morning had disappeared and she was begging to do it again.  Leonie says the kids often take their enthusiasm and newly learned skills home where they teach their parents how to start a veggie patch.

"Winter is a great time to get started because it's not so hot," says Leonie

"And space is not a deterrent because any food can be grown in pots as long as they are watered regularly."

Choosing what to grow can be a dilemma
"For starters, I would suggest trying snow peas, cherry tomatoes, basil, parsley and lettuce".

"These can all be picked straight from the garden and they make great pizze topping!"

Improved health, outdoor activity, cost savings and food appreciateion: The rewards of growing vegetables are endless.  Even if you, as a parent, dont't have time, expertise or inclinations to take responsibility for a veggie patch at home, it doesn't have to stop your child from becoming a Permakid!.

For more information on Permakids and workshop dates phone 5474 5892

LEONIE'S TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL VEGGIE GARDENS

Make your own compost
Add worm castings
Add zeolite
Finish with organic hay mulch
Plant species that relate to our climate
Spray foliage with seaweed and fish emulsion
Deep water every couple of days late in the afternoon
Plant different plants in succession to avoid pests.
    

GARDENING WITH CHILDREN

Start small - either in pots or small garden bed
Buy a watering can that is not too heavy
Grow sprouts - food without soil
Have fun making a scarecrow
Grow plants that are easy - beans, peas, nasturtiums, cherry tomatoes, sunflowers and herbs
Grow a themed garden eg: A pizza garden with tomatoes, basil and thyme