April is a wonderful time to start a home garden with children, as it aligns with both National Garden Month and the Week of the Young Child (April 5th – 11th), making it the perfect opportunity to introduce little ones to the joys of growing their own food. Gardening not only teaches children where food comes from, but it also encourages healthy eating habits, responsibility, and an appreciation for the outdoors.

A great way to begin is by planting easy-to- grow vegetables like carrots, which are celebrated on Carrot Day (April 4th)! With support from resources like N.C. Cooperative Extension, families can learn simple gardening techniques, such as using container gardens or raised beds.

While waiting for carrots to grow, take a trip to the grocery store, as carrots are available year- round. When you're ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor, try carrots in different ways with your family! Enjoy them raw with EFNEP Ranch Dip, roast them, add them to a stir-fry, or try steaming them.

ENFEP Ranch Dip

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
• 2 teaspoons white distilled vinegar

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Mix well and enjoy!

Want to learn how? Join an Adult EFNEP class! EFNEP helps adults learn skills and strategies to feed their families nutritious meals on a budget while improving overall health. The program also supports families in making lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases like heart disease and diabetes.