We all want the best for our children and know the importance of a healthy, balanced diet. But did you know that giving your little ones the opportunity to grow their own food empowers them to make smart eating decisions? It also provides budding chefs the chance to grow and prepare delicious food. Branching Out! is a hands-on gardening program held at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morris Township, for kids from 5 through 13, where children have the chance to “dig in” and learn the fundamentals of gardening by planting their own gardens and enjoying the harvest. Kids learn that, with a little work and a lot of patience, the food they grow themselves tastes better than any purchased from supermarket shelves.

This is the 44th gardening season for Branching Out at the Arboretum, which is part of the Morris County Park Commission. Young gardeners may participate on Saturdays in the spring, and/or two days a week in the summer, depending on age level.

For more information and to register today for the spring and summer session, visit arboretumfriends.org.