Kids' Corner: Creating a Pizza Garden

All children love the round pie that oozes with cheesy goodness... PIZZA! No matter your age, both little and big kids alike, pizza is usually a meal that pleases all. Whether you fancy a basic cheese pizza, a low fat veggie pizza, the ever-hearty meat lovers pizza, or something a little different... say a white, hawaiian or mediterranean pizza (the list goes on and on), one thing is for certain -- there is sure to be a slice that will please every palette.

With America’s love of the pizza pie, and our love of gardening, why not create a “pizza garden” with your little ones? It is a great opportunity to share your love of gardening with them, and eventually spend a little quality time in the kitchen, too. All the while, enjoying your harvest of fresh herbs on this special pie. This is a fun-filled project that is sure to be a hit, no matter the season, as your pizza garden can be grown indoors.

All you need to get your project started is:
- a container that has adequate drainage (and a tray to catch it!)
- some organic soil
- one of each: basil, thyme, oregano & parsley plants

Plant your herbs as you would any other plant, making sure to tease the roots. Plant and water thoroughly. Place in a window that gets a lot of sun (herbs need a lot of sunlight). To add another layer of fun, purchase some puffy paints at your local craft store and have your child write their name on the container. You could also embellish the container with ribbons, stickers, whatever your child prefers! Overwinter indoors. Next spring, you can plant your herbs in your summer garden... and enjoy them awhile longer.

All of the materials needed for this project can be found in the Garden Center at Fairview Greenhouses. Stop by today and start planning your fall garden!

Happy Fun!
Heather W.
Fairview Greenhouses & Garden Center

Just for Fun: Pizza History
1905: Claims of the first US Pizzeria in NYC by G. Lomardi.

1943: First Chicago-style deep dish pizza.

1945: American soldiers that were stationed in Italy during WW II had a taste of this pie and craved it upon their return to US soil.

1948: First commercial pizza mix is released: Roman Pizza Mix

1950s: This is when Americans really started to notice this delicious pie. Celebs loved it (Sinatra, DiMaggio, etc.)

1957: First frozen pizzas in grocery stores and soon became the #1 frozen food on the market.

This pie is such a huge staple in our cuisine today... everywhere you turn there is a pizza place, offering a slice for any palette. Hard to believe it hasn't been enjoyed in America longer...

Another Fun Project Idea:
Pressing Your Summer Flowers