Victory Gardens, simply put, are backyard gardens that Americans planted during times of war. They were a successful means of boosting morale at a time when it was needed most. Sparking patriotism, and helping to safeguard communities against food shortages, History.com reports that Victory gardens produced nearly 8 million tons of food by 1944!
A Long American History
During both World War I & II, food rations, and shortages in labor & transportation made it difficult to get produce to markets so the United States government called upon its citizens to contribute to the war effort by planting “Victory Gardens”. Originally, these gardens were encouraged so that we could ship the excess food overseas to our allies where food shortages were most drastic. At times, the word was spread through neighbors, clubs, associations, and later through propaganda pamphlets, posters, and radio ads. In 1917, Schoolchildren were enlisted through a program called the U.S. School Garden Army (USSGA) as “soldiers of the soil”, and in 1943 even our First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, participated by planting a Victory Garden on the White House Lawn, much to the chagrin of the Department of Agriculture.
Today, we are once again experiencing shortages in food, labor, and transportation. We are once again at war, but this time, it isn’t a war fought on a battlefield across the seas, this time we are fighting a pandemic of global proportions. While most of us aren’t scientists, nurses, or doctors that are fighting on the frontlines of this new war, we are ALL citizens of a global community that are ALL experiencing the struggles and losses of living life under quarantine, together.
Our Victory Garden
Our family spent this week planning and prepping our own Victory Garden at home. Now, you may have seen my previous blog post about growing an Herb Garden, but let me make one thing clear, I am not a gardener! I have been known to kill plants other people told me were impossible to kill. The problem is, when you’re busy, the “squeaky wheel gets the grease”! Plants don’t cry when they’re thirsty, so I tend to forget to water them and then I overcompensate by accidentally drowning them. It’s a vicious cycle to say the least.
I have been, however, successful at growing an herb garden. I’m pretty sure it’s just because I grow what I use so it’s easy to see what needs care when I’m out there every day picking herbs for this recipe or that. I call myself an ”Accidental Gardner”. My husband on the other hand is an experienced gardener, but he has an essential job so he isn’t home much lately to give us advice.
Keeping Busy
Since the pandemic started, a lot of us have more time on our hands. I decided now was probably a good time to start a “quarantine project” with our family. It’s worked out really well because not only does it give us a purpose and something we can all work on together, but it will also take care of our food needs for our family and neighbors at times when we can’t get to a store or when produce is limited. Working outside is a great way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D and fresh air which is great for helping fight off virus’. Another side benefit that just recently occurred in our community is that produce has become a great monetary device for bartering! My friend Becca and I recently just traded some canning supplies in exchange for citrus. It was a win/win for both of us!
Depending on where you live, growing seasons are different. It can all be very confusing. I am completely addicted to the garden center at our local B&B Do It Center Hardware store. The staff in the garden center are AMAZING! I can ask them anything and they either already have the answer or know where to find it. I have been able to get beautiful organic starter plants, seeds, and fertilizer there too. They are always very patient with me and my amateur questions, and really helped guide me in the best choices for our family. Be sure to check out your local garden center and see what’s available in your area. You can even shop with most of them online and arrange a curbside pick up or delivery in some cases.
Where to Start
Start with things you’ll use like herbs, onions, & garlic, and add things you or your family likes to eat like carrots, lettuce, and bell peppers. Its currently spring so now is the time to plant pumpkins for Jack-O-Lanterns in the Fall! I successfully grew pumpkins for the first time two years ago and I’m excited to try it again this year. Remember to be mindful of your garden space. Plants like pumpkin and zucchini take up a lot more room than smaller plants like carrots or green onions.
Container Gardening
If your limited on space, use an existing planter box, or empty pots. My first Herb Garden was just a series of pots I used to plant Green Onions, Parsley, and Cilantro in. Herbs and some vegetables don’t really need much space to grow really well. I’ve also seen people grow small tomatoes and strawberries in hanging baskets, or turn rain gutters into a garden wall when mounted to fences. Get creative with it! The possibilities are endless!
