In February 2017 researchers from the USA published their review of the medical and scientific literature to assess the effect of gardening to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in children. A total of 14 studies which assessed fruit and vegetable consumption among children aged 2 to 15 years before and after gardening projects in a school, community, or after-school setting were included in the review. Results showed that there was a significant increase in fruit or vegetable consumption following the implementation of a gardening project in 10 of the studies reviewed. However, many studies had a small number of individuals involved in the study and fruit and vegetable consumption was self-reported. However despite this most studies suggested that gardening projects can increase fruit and vegetable consumption in children.
Savoie-Roskos MR et al. Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Intake among Children and Youth through Gardening-Based Interventions: A Systematic Review. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2017 Feb;117(2):240-250.