When April arrives, all my attention turns to the farmers’ markets. Going to them at this time of year in California is an exercise in optimism and hope: colorful vegetables begin a gradual return, and big, fat, juicy strawberries make their first appearance. I always take the kids to the market with me—it opens up a dialogue about where our food comes from, who grows it, and how it’s grown.

There’s nothing like watching a child engage with a farmer: you can see the wheels turning in his or her head, making the connection between that delicious stalk of asparagus and the place where it was planted, nurtured, and plucked from the earth. This is so important; it gets kids excited about trying new fruits and vegetables without your having to cajole and coerce them. Farm it out, I say! At home, we grow lots of tomatoes, most herbs, and, of course, kale. It’s a modest assortment, but it’s manageable for us, which is key. If all you can handle is a pot of herbs on a windowsill, so be it. Each time you pick some, you’ll be reminded of the miracle of dirt, water, sun, and seed.