The Return of the Victory Garden

Victory Gardens are Back!

 The Victory Garden made its debut during World War II. It was a way to lessen the demand on public food systems and allow more of that food to be produced for the troops. This allowed more people to contribute to the war effort. The government asked the citizens of the United States to plant their own gardens to help with food shortages. The public response was very positive. During this time, 20 million families were growing 40 percent of the country's vegetables. You could find these gardens everywhere. Much like today, they came in many shapes and sizes. Schools even had their own gardens to provide fresh vegetables for student lunches. Produce grown in Victory Gardens was often preserved for winter. At the time there was no shortage of magazines and newspaper articles that were full of helpful information about growing and preserving your own vegetables. Women were doing their part as their husbands went off to war.
Though we are not at war, the Victory Garden has seen a bit of a comeback. More and more people are trying to become more self-reliant and are showing more interest in gardening and preserving their harvest. Many people are also sending their surplus vegetables to local food banks and hostels to help feed the less fortunate.
 Urban areas are utilizing vacant lots by creating community gardens. Everyone plants, everyone eats. This brings families and communities together for positive growth and sustainability. During uncertain times we all need to work together for our future, even if we have to do it from 6 ft. apart.

 No matter how big or how small you decide to make your garden, make it your own. There is some satisfaction in knowing exactly where your food comes from and everything that it has come in contact with during its growing process. You choose what goes in and ultimately what comes out of it. Enjoy your garden and all that comes from it.

 The return of the Victory Garden is a sign of the times. However, it does not symbolize the negative energy that has made its return necessary but rather, the hope and perseverance that comes from human nature when faced with challenges and changes. The spirit of a gardener exists in all of us, as does the strength to overcome adversity.

Happy Gardening!