To counteract the prevalence of childhood obesity and to establish lifelong healthy eating habits, this research-based early childhood curriculum is designed to increase children's preferences for nutritious fruits and vegetables. The tested seed-to-table approach will engage preschoolers in all aspects of planting, growing, and eating organically grown foods. Also included are recipes children can help prepare and ways to involve the whole family in making healthy food choices. These activities can be tailored to fit any early childhood program, climate, or geographical region.

Part 1. Preparing the Groundwork -- 1. The early sprouts philosophy and approach -- 2. The nutritional approach -- 3. The Gardening approach -- 4. Preparing staff for "planting" early sprouts -- 5. Involving families -- 6. The early sprouts target vegetables -- Part 2. Tending early sprouts week by week -- 7. Introduction to the curriculum -- 8. Bringing in the harvest: the garden activities (weeks 1-6) -- 9. Harvest time is coming to an end: bringing the garden indoors (weeks 7-12) -- 10. Putting the garden to sleep: indoor winter activities (weeks 13-18) -- 11. Spring is coming: seeds and planting activities (weeks 19-24) -- 12. The family recipe kits -- Part 3. Sharing the harvest -- 13. What we have learned: research process and results -- 14. Adapting and adopting the early sprouts approach -- 15. Parting words -- App. A. Vitamins and selected minerals chart -- App. B. Preparing the garden site -- App. C. Recommended organic seed sources -- App. D. Gardening and vegetable resources -- App. E. Books about cooking with and for children.