She’s barely back from her week-long trip to Europe and Michelle Obama is already getting her hands dirty.

Sporting a pair of brown gloves, a red windbreaker and trainers, the First Lady got down on her knees to help plant alongside a group of 25 eager fifth-graders from a local school outside of the White House today (April 9).

Designed as a year-round kitchen garden, the L-shaped plot on the South Lawn will produce herbs such as oregano, sage and rosemary, vegetables including lettuce, chard and peas, and blueberries and raspberries.

A proponent of healthy eating, Mrs. O says she hopes it will encourage Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables.

Before getting down and dirty, Michelle encouraged the Bancroft Elementary School students to eat more fruits and vegetables. “It does have nutrients,” she said. “it does make you strong, it is all brain food.”