Time to Grow a Victory Garden?

Victory Gardens were promoted by the government about a hundred years ago during World War 1 where Americans were urged to utilize every flowerpot and patch of land available to grow veggies and edibles. In response to the need for food conservation, a poster was created and widely distributed to encourage Americans to be self-sufficient and to help feed their neighbors. The famous first line, “Food will win the war,” was often quoted^, as it encouraged people to live simply and grow food.

These Victory Gardens resurged during World War II. We were unable to maintain food distribution to the military and allies, against whom starvation was being used as a weapon. Again the government  turned to promoting plots of land called victory gardens as they began food rationing.

Food rationing was a part of life during both world wars, so the government urged Americans to pitch in and to be self-sufficient by tending home gardens.  There were labor and transportation shortages during these times making it difficult to move harvests to stores. Sound familiar? 

There were supply chain, labor and transportation shortages which made it difficult to move large harvests to stores, so Americans helped by planting fruits and vegetables at home—and millions of Americans responded by creating Victory Gardens. These ‘Victory Gardens’ were responsible for helping to feed millions. At that time home gardens were responsible for providing 40% of the produce in the USA!

Victory gardens are enjoying a rebirth today due to the coronavirus pandemic and uncertain economic times. As we enter into what may be a ‘Worldwide Great Depression’ these ‘Victory Gardens’ may again be a resource to create food security for ourselves, our families and our wider community.

As our world is reshaped and people are sheltering in place it affords us a unique opportunity to take a deep breath and rethink our relationship to food and strengthen our connection to growing and self-sufficiency.

Lets face it… digging in the dirt is much less stressful than going to the grocery store these days. Growing a garden or starting a food-forest can…

* decrease our trips to market,

* improve our health

* increase self-sufficiency

*Create abundance to share with food banks or neighbors

*Provide healthy, chemical free, farm fresh food bursting with life energy

* Provide a teaching opportunity for ourselves and our children

* Strengthen our connection to the natural world and Mama Gaia

*Connect us to the cycles of nature

*Provide a creative outlet

* Allow us to help others

*Create habitat for pollinators and birds

I’d like to encourage everyone to start a Victory Garden with the intent to create abundance in our own lives and to grow extra to SHARE with others who may need it.

It needn’t be difficult…Veggies, fruit trees and bushes can be seamlessly integrated into perennial flower beds or interspersed in our woodland gardens.

Follow me on my website as we explore edible ornamentals and share ways to add food crops into our gardens, landscapes and containers. Through the summer we’ll find ways to connect those who grow food to those who are in need.

Join me in turning every plot of land into a garden to feed our families and our neighbors. 

With gratitude and love

Stephanie Beach