Gardening Teaches Great Lessons

President Spencer W. Kimball counseled: “I hope that we understand that, while having a garden, for instance, is often useful in reducing food costs and making available delicious fresh fruits and vegetables, it does much more than this. Who can gauge the value of that special chat between daughter and Dad as they weed or water the garden? How do we evaluate the good that comes from the obvious lessons of planting, cultivating, and the eternal law of the harvest? And how do we measure the family togetherness and cooperating that must accompany successful canning? Yes, we are laying up resources in store, but perhaps the greater good is contained in the lessons of life we learn as we live providently and extend to our children their pioneer heritage.” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1977, p. 125; or Ensign, Nov. 1977, p. 78.) This heritage includes teaching our children how to work.

You don't have to have a lot of space to grow a garden. You can plant many vegetables right in your flower beds. My sister even planted tomatoes in 5-gallon buckets on her small patio when she was in college. Stop dragging your feet, if you have been, and plan a garden this week as a family. Get everyone involved - it's much more fun that way!

Source: James E. Faust, “The Responsibility for Welfare Rests with Me and My Family,” Ensign, May 1986, 20