Green-Thumbed Locals Share Tips on Gardening, Eating

It's fruit and vegetable time, and there's nothing better than a lunch picked straight from the garden. 

It's also a very healthy choice. Blogger Julie Schwartz wrote recently that Americans have been advised for years that fruit contains too much sugar -- and yet we find excuses to splurge on cake and ice cream! Now is the time to make the change to healthy -- and delicious -- habits. Read the rest of her blog here.

Now you know what you should be doing, but if you have a family you know that encouraging kids to make healthy choices can be challenging. Blogger Jada Edwards shared a few tricks recently on getting the whole family on the same page. According to Edwards, getting kids involved in growing the food instantly creates the desire to eat it! Read the rest of her blog here.

If you struggle with pests in your yard or garden, did you know that cornmeal will actually get rid of ants? Amazing, right? Blogger Kasey Hurst has a few tips on being ant-free in the great outdoors. 

If you're looking for some recipes that incorporate fresh fruits and veggies, try these:

• Veggie Grits Casserole with Mesquite Smoked Spicy Pork Chops
• Soft Serve Strawberry and Pistachio Ice Cream

Finally, if you don't have a garden of your own or a bed in a community garden, stop by Washington Farms for some fresh-from-the-farm strawberries! Read more here from food blogger Melissa Crane. 

If you have tips, recipes or anything else garden-related you would like to share, start your own blog! It's quick and easy.