First Lady Michelle Obama joins students and guests for the “Let’s Move!” Spring garden planting in the White House Kitchen Garden, April 5, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
Recently First Lady Michelle Obama was joined by students from across the country as well as NASA representatives, including astronaut Cady Coleman, to plant the White House Kitchen Garden for the eighth year in a row and final time as First Lady. In 2009, Mrs. Obama first planted the garden to initiate a conversation about the health and well-being of our nation, which then evolved into the Let’s Move initiative.
“It was eight years ago that we cooked up this really interesting idea that maybe we could dig up some dirt on the South Lawn … and we would plant a wonderful garden that would be a space for us to talk about the food we eat,” the First Lady said.
In addition to planting a variety of produce, students planted the same variety of lettuce that has been grown on the International Space Station (ISS). They also planted the same variety of cabbage that was sent to the ISS just last week to be grown along with the lettuce.
On the heels of the eighth annual planting of the White House Kitchen Garden, the First Lady set out to visit other gardens across the country. This year, as part of her American Garden Tour, Mrs. Obama is highlighting the impact and benefits of diverse gardens throughout the nation, including gardens in backyards and communities, at schools, and even in less conventional places like space.
National Garden Month
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has proclaimed April as National Garden Month in recognition of the importance of gardens in fostering a healthy and sustainable environment for current and future generations. Join us this month in celebrating the dedicated and important work of our nation’s gardeners and highlighting the many benefits of gardens.
If you are interested in starting your own garden, check out our Gardening Guide for tips and ideas, and visit The People’s Garden initiative from the USDA for additional resources. And don’t forget to follow the White House Kitchen Garden on Instagram at @WHKitchenGarden to watch the garden as it grows on the South Lawn throughout the year.
For the full recap of recent activities and to get involved, visit the Let’s Move! blog, like us onFacebook, and follow us on Twitter.
