Modern Day Victory Gardens
Modern Day Victory Gardens
Victory Gardens of the World War eras gave communities and neighborhoods a way to support the war effort of their day. Front yards, back yards and numerous city parks became garden plots for residents to grow food to help feed the soldiers in battle.
The term Victory Garden became popular during World War I (1917-1918) when the Food Administration encouraged Americans (the Home Front) to grow their own food to help prevent a food shortage in America and to send additional food to war-torn countries. These gardens became popular in the United States, Canada, the U.K., Australia and Germany during both world wars.
2020 ushered in a revival of the Victory Gardens of former years. With many businesses and food suppliers on “lock-down,” labor shortages and food stockpiling, many residents grabbed their shovels and seeds packets and started digging!
Those original Victory Gardens became a powerful military tool, not only to feed the troops, but to boost morale of military families and their communities. Everyone felt like they were helping the cause.
Today’s Victory Gardens serve a similar need as post-COVID food shortages and price hikes face consumers. Many families––determined to eat more healthfully and economically––are following those rugged gardeners of years past and turning their yards into gardens.
It is not necessary to go big when gardening to reap great rewards. The options are limitless for cultivating fresh produce. You may choose to:
• Consult your local County Extension Office for gardening tips for your area.
• Check out classes on gardening for your needs at a local nursery or garden center.
• Grow a “kitchen garden” on a window sill. This is a great option for growing fresh herbs.
• Check with your neighbors who garden. Each of you may grow different plants, then exchange crops at harvest time.
• Shop your local Farmers Market if gardening is not an option. Support local businesses and eat tasty, nutritious foods.
Colorado’s growing season is shorter than other places I’ve lived, so my garden looks different each year. I do feel victorious at harvest time when I have “back-yard-fresh” foods for my meals. The greatest victory comes when I pick enough to share!
Fresh always tastes better and provides a higher nutrient content. Summer is the season to grow!