Newsletters & Blog

April 2025

Gardening for Good Health

National Garden Month Starts Now!

April marks National Garden Month, a time to embrace the joys of gardening while promoting health and well-being. For Michiganders, it's an opportunity to celebrate the state's deep agricultural roots and the many benefits of growing our own food. Whether you're cultivating a small urban garden or managing a larger backyard plot, gardening offers countless rewards for your physical and mental health, while honoring Michigan's rich farming traditions.

Michigan's unique climate, diverse soil types, and strong agricultural heritage make it an ideal place to grow a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. From the fertile fields of the Thumb to the sandy soils along the west coast, Michigan's farming landscape is as diverse as its people. National Garden Month is the perfect time to dig in, get your hands dirty, and begin planting. Not only will you benefit from the fresh, nutrient-rich produce that your garden yields, but you'll also connect with nature, reduce stress, and improve your overall wellness.

Supporting Michigan's Local Agricultural Economy

Gardening isn't just about personal health—it's about supporting Michigan's vibrant agricultural economy. By growing your own food or shopping at local farmers' markets, you help sustain Michigan's farming industry, which contributes significantly to the state's economy. Michigan is the second-largest agricultural producer in the Midwest, with its crops playing a central role in both local and national markets.

The state is famous for its fruit production, particularly apples and cherries, but it also grows a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and grains. Supporting local farmers and food businesses helps to ensure that fresh, nutritious food remains accessible to all while bolstering the local economy. By growing your own produce or participating in community gardens, you help create a sustainable cycle of food production that benefits everyone—from the farmer to the consumer.

Michigan's Gardening Bounty

Michigan's climate and fertile soil create an ideal environment for a wide variety of crops, and National Garden Month is the perfect time to start planting. Whether you have a backyard garden or a small plot on your balcony, you can grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that thrive in Michigan's growing conditions.

From the tart cherries of the Traverse Bay region to the sweet corn grown in the state's rich soil, Michigan's agricultural bounty is vast. Early spring brings the chance to plant strawberries, peas, and leafy greens like spinach and lettuce, while the summer months offer a chance to harvest tomatoes, peppers, and herbs like basil and mint. As fall approaches, Michigan's farmers and gardeners enjoy the harvest of pumpkins, squash, and apples.

Gardening in Michigan not only provides you with healthy, fresh food but also connects you to the state's agricultural traditions. Whether you're enjoying a homemade apple pie with Michigan-grown fruit or seasoning your meals with locally grown basil, Michigan's agricultural bounty adds flavor and nutrition to your life.

Involving Michigan's Youth in Gardening

National Garden Month is also a perfect opportunity to introduce Michigan's youth to the world of gardening. Schools and organizations teach kids how to grow food responsibly, focusing on eco-friendly techniques like water conservation and composting. Students gain skills that promote both healthy eating and environmental sustainability.

Here are some resources to explore with your class:

Lesson Plans for grades K-2 and 3-5

Students discover the needs of a seed to germinate and the needs of a plant to grow while exploring the life stages of a flowering plant.

Lesson Plans for grades 6-8

Students use an apple to represent the Earth and discover how our land resources are used. Through critical thinking, students discover why topsoil is a nonrenewable resource, the importance of soil to our food supply, and factors that impact topsoil distribution in different regions.

Land and Soil in the Ecosystem

Lesson Plans for grades 9-12

Students discover that topsoil is a nonrenewable resource and use an apple to represent how Earth's land resources are used. Through critical thinking, students study agricultural land use and consider the sustainability of current land use practices including the use of land to feed and graze livestock animals.

Earth's Land and Soil Resources

Additional Lessons and Resources for Grades K-12

Growing a Healthier Michigan

As we celebrate National Garden Month this April, take a moment to appreciate the many benefits that gardening brings to your life and the state of Michigan. Whether you're tending to a small herb garden, a vegetable plot, or simply enjoying the beauty of Michigan's natural landscape, gardening offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, promote your health, and support your local community.

So, grab your gardening tools, dig into the rich Michigan soil, and start planting for a healthier future—one seed at a time. Happy National Garden Month!