Every April, communities, organizations, and individuals nationwide celebrate gardening during National Garden Month. Gardeners know, and research confirms, that nurturing plants is good for us: attitudes toward health and nutrition improve, kids perform better at school, and community spirit grows.

National Garden Week came about when Former President Reagan signed the Proclamation on April 18, 1986 to celebrate gardening and the beauty of vibrant spring flowers. It was first celebrated April 12 to 18, 1987. In 2002, the National Gardening Association resolved to extend the celebration to encompass the entire month of April. National Garden Month was celebrated for the first time in 2003.

We celebrate National Garden Month in April because we are all anxious to get outside and enjoy the nice weather; and what better way to do that then to grow an organic garden? Starting your own garden can yield fresh fruits and vegetables free from chemicals and pesticides. It can also produce a stunning array of flowers and shrubs to brighten our lives with their beauty. Not only that, it provides a special source of fulfillment when foresight, patience, and collaboration with soil and sunlight finally are repaid by lovely flowers and luscious harvests.

If you're just beginning your very own nutritious garden, here is a great list of plants to sow and grow in April:

• Carrots

• Cauliflower

• Lettuce

• Leeks

• Radish

• Turnips

• Onions

• Peas

• Spinach

• Basil