American Victory Gardens were planted across the United States during World Wars I and II with great success.
Back in 1917, during World War 1, the National War Garden Commission promoted home gardening in order to free up crops to feed soldiers who were fighting overseas.
They inspired students—calling them “soldiers of the soil”—to do their part in the war and help plant Liberty Gardens. When it started to look like the US and its allies would win the war, the name of the gardens was changed to Victory Gardens.
Eleanor Roosevelt also began a new Victory Garden campaign after Pearl Harbor was bombed and Americans dug in once again for Uncle Sam.
- Like then, it provides a morale boost, lots of healthy outdoor time and exercise—and the satisfaction that comes with being even a little self-sufficient. It’s very rewarding to simply experience the miraculous process that is growing food and say, “I grew that!”
- Growing your own food—even a little—also helps the environment; you’re using no chemicals, eating food that doesn’t have to travel across the country, and rebuilding your soil health.
- Your garden can be your seasonal supermarket. Lessen trips to the store and stretch your budget by planning meals around what is ready to harvest. You will be providing your family with the freshest and most nutritious food, picked at its peak. Way better than store-bought!
- If you have thought about growing a vegetable garden in the past but didn’t have time, take advantage of this opportunity to start a garden. Planting is a hopeful act and will give you a break from the news of the day. Get the whole family involved and dig in!
Organic matter is the superstar ingredient in healthy soil. It’s the shredded leaves you spread as mulch, the kitchen scraps you add to your compost heap, the old roots left to decompose underground. Basically, it’s anything that was once living.
Once you plant your garden take the time to enjoy it! Don’t stress if it is not perfect.