Fall Is Here
As the summer season ends, the harvesting of the garden and preservation
of foods for the winter needs to be done. Take the opportunity to teach
children about important aspects of the garden.
Start by teaching them about picking fruits and vegetables and how to
tell if the food is ready to be picked. Spend time admiring and smelling
the foods to show them how precious «straight out of the garden»
food can be.
See the «Pita Pizza» recipe.
Fall is also a great time of year to teach children about the environment
and the circle of life. Starting a composting pile reduces waste at the
garbage dump, teaches children about decomposition, and makes some great
soil for next seasons» garden.
How to Start a Compost Pile
Food scraps and yard trimmings are good for the compost. Do not compost
meat, bones, milk products or fatty foods. These foods attract animals
and pests. For the best results combine kitchen scraps with yard clippings.
Thin layers of soil also improve the compost. Keep the pile moist and
turn the materials every 2-3 weeks. This mixes the soil with air and reduces
the smell. If the compost smells, it is too wet or is not being mixed
enough.
Alternatively; you can collect food scraps in a heap for several months.
In the fall, spread them on the garden and dig them in. By the spring
time the compost will be broken down and you will have some great soil
for your garden.
Here is a recipe to try with children to immediately enjoy the «Pick
of the Day».
This recipe is quick and easy and is a great recipe to encourage children
to try at home.
You need:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees or use a toaster oven or broiler. Cut
up the vegetables into thin slices or small sections. Steam or boil the
vegetables until they are just slightly softened (they will soften more
in the oven). Grate the cheese.
Spread the pizza sauce on each pita. Place your favorite vegetables on
top of the sauce and cover with cheese.
Place in the oven or broiler for about 7 minutes. Watch carefully! As
soon as the cheese turns golden, the pizza is ready. Enjoy!
- Pita Bread
- Pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- An assortment of vegetables (whatever you have on hand) such as:
- Red pepper
- Green pepper
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli
- Onions