7 Reasons why you should start a Victory Garden

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With all of the changes and stress currently going on, many people have started bring back the concept of the modern victory garden.

History

Starting in 1917, during World War 1 , Americans were encouraged to save seeds and preserve food. This effort was increased during World War 2 when war gardens were encouraged to help take the pressure off the food supply system. These victory gardens were planted in private yards, flowerbeds, and lawns. Public lands and spaces as well as schools were used to for victory gardens during WWII. In the cities, window boxes and even rooftops were used.

Because most vehicles were used in the war effort and gas was rationed, people needed food close by. Growing a victory garden meant that more food could be sent overseas to the soldiers and gave people the feeling that they were doing their part to help.

At its height in 1943 - 1944, these gardens produced 8 million pounds of food or almost 40% of the United States vegetables. Americans were highly encouraged to both grow gardens and to preserve and can as much as possible.

Why you should grow a victory garden

With economic stress battering most families, the idea of a new victory garden makes sense.

Save Money - It is estimated that growing a garden will save you at least $500 annually. Even urban gardeners can see savings of $100. Source
Better Produce - Nothing tastes better than homegrown produce. The flavor is fresher, sweeter, and richer. You may even find that you now like veggies that you previously didn’t.
Healthier Produce - Fruits and vegetables begin to lose nutrients within hours of being picked. The sooner it is eaten, the higher the nutrient count.
More Organic - You can control every aspect of growing from the compost you choose to organic pesticides or natural deterrents.
Higher fruit and veggie consumption - Growing your own produce encourages you to eat more vegetables and find new ways to cook and prepare it.
More exercise - gardening gets you outside and gives you built in exercise while you care for your plants, which also makes you sleep better.
More happiness - playing in the dirt can reduce stress and increase happiness.

What to grow in your garden

While there are thousands of vegetables and varieties, here are a few to start with.

Greens - lettuce, spinach, kale, and other greens and usually quick and easy.
Herb Plants - Cilantro and basil are popular and space saving.

Cool-season vegetables:

Broccoli
Root vegetables - carrots, potatoes, radish, beets
Snow peas

Full sun, warm-season vegetables:

Tomatoes - there are hundreds of varieties to choose from, but they take longer to produce a harvest.
Squashes - yellow crookneck and zucchini are popular and quick but they take a lot of space.
Peppers - Much like tomatoes, these plants are pretty easy but a little slower.