Presidential Organic Garden

Great news for organics! The first lady, Michelle Obama, has planted a vegetable garden on the White House grounds, and it will be 100% organic! The garden is planned to be used for meals at the White House, small and large, and "to educate children about healthful, locally grown fruit and vegetables at a time when obesity and diabetes have become a national concern".

The entire Obama family is going to get dirty, pulling weeds and helping to maintain the garden. I am happy to see such a prominent family helping to spread the word about the importance of healthy, local, organic food. Hopefully, this will influence others to choose more healthful and environmentally friendly methods of obtaining produce.

The garden will contain 55 varieties of vegetables in raised beds, fertilized with White House compost, crab meal from the Chesapeake Bay, lime and green sand. Instead of harmful pesticides, ladybugs and praying mantises will help control bugs.

For those who live in urban areas with limited green space, community gardens are one option, and are popping up all over.

Don't have time for a garden? You can still make some healthy changes with a few easy steps:

• Chuck the processed foods
• Start an herb garden in your kitchen window
• Try to make at least one home cooked meal per week (or one more than you already do)
• Make time to sit down and enjoy meals with family or friends

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