Victory Gardens, first introduced during World War I and II, have found their way back into the American landscape. Victory gardens were started as a way to encourage families and communities to help offset the financial hardship Americans were experiences during war times, similar to the struggles Americans are experiencing today. The emphasis was placed on gardening as a family and community activity and not one of drudgery, but a national pastime and duty. I n 1943 over 20 million Americans planted a garden which produced a harvest that accounted for about 1/3 of the produce grown in our country that year.
In 2009 Victory Gardens returned. With support and encouragement from the White House, Victories Gardens are sprouting up all over the country. With the increasing rise in Childhood obesity, increase incidents of food borne illness, global warming and the continual rise in food cost, now is a great time for you to consider starting a Victory Garden of your own.
For those of you who have a plot of good soil in your own back yard to those who don’t, Victory Gardens can be created in a variety of ways. Here are some suggestions:
1. Plant vegetables in flower pots, boxes, and beds. Place these containers on your deck, rooftop or any other place you get sun.
2. Perhaps your neighbor has the yard space but not the time or ability to grow a garden. You could barter space in exchange for some of the harvest.
3. Your community or place of worship may have space for you to create a community garden. This can be a great way to meet members of you own community and share a common goal.
Once you have committed to planting a garden you will need to decide what it is you would like to grow. Plant what you enjoy eating. If spinach is not a favorite in your household, then don’t plant it. Use your space and efforts to meet the food likes of your family.
You may want to check out the following resources to assist you in cultivating a successful garden.
http://www.heirloomseeds.com/schedule.htm
Seed sources: http://www.victoryseeds.com
For container seeds: http://www.containerseeds.com
Heirloom seeds: http://www.heirloomseeds.com
How to start plants indoors: http://gardening.about.com/od/gardenprimer/ss/SeedStarting.htm
Still not sure how to get started? Contact your local Extension office and speak with a Master Gardner. http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension
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1 comment:
It's time for the Victory Garden to make a comeback! I always like them because they are typically planted in rows. I prefer to plant in rows because it can be maintained much easier. We just use this simple wheel cultivator to loosen the soil in spring and weed all summer. Very easy on our backs!
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