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Why We Need to Bring Back Victory Gardens

May 22, 2019 By Lisa Sharp Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here for full disclosure and privacy policy.

Victory gardens helped during a time of need for more food and it’s time we bring them back. It’s a great way to help your finances and the environment. Coupons.com is a big fan of gardens as well and is sponsoring this post.

Details of feet and Shovel in front of Barn

While home vegetable gardens are now fairly uncommon it was once seen as a patriotic act to have a home garden.

Just weeks before the United States entered World War I, Charles Lathrop Pack organized the National War Garden Commission to encourage Americans to start their own victory gardens.

It allowed more of America’s food to be exported to Europe to help our allies that faced severe food storage.

Citizens not only started gardens in their backyards but also on any idle land that could be used. This included schools, company grounds, parks, and more.

Shortly after the United States entered into the Second World War, victory gardens began to make a comeback.

Food was once needed overseas and these gardens again helped keep food on American tables while helping our allies.

Even First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt started a victory garden in the White House lawn.

Although the government’s encouragement of victory gardens ended with World War II we are seeing a comeback of victory gardens because they still offer many benefits.

Growing your own food can save you money and is great for the environment. Plus fresh food is always the best.

Victory Garden Tips

A bouquet of yellow bright garden flowers in a steel bucket and garden tools on a wooden background

I looked through my collection of vintage magazines from the 1940s and 1950s and other resources to find some gardening tips from true retro housewives and retro garden experts. I found some good ones!

  • When possible, prepare your garden in the fall.
  • Prepare your garden with good compost. (Learn How to Compost)
  • No garden is too small. You can start a garden anywhere, even on a small patio with a few pots.
  • All gardens should be well planned. Do your research.
  • It’s easier to start small and add more later.
  • Soil is ready for planting when it holds its shape when pressed but easily crumbles.
  • Fences are critical for keeping out veggie loving animals.
  • Look for varieties of vegetables that are resistant to common disease in your area.
  • Add crushed eggshells to your garden to add calcium to the soil.
  • And of course, have a plan to preserve and store your yield so you can enjoy your hard work all year long.

While I don’t currently have a vegetable garden it is something I have had at times and would like to have again. It’s such a great way to reduce your family’s food costs and encourage more eating of healthy foods.

One thing I do even without a vegetable garden is compost. It’s a great way to reduce food waste and improve your soil, even if you only grow flowers and other non-edible plants. You can click here to learn how to compost.

If you have a vegetable garden I’d love to hear about it, share in the comments below.

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Filed Under: Frugal, Green Living, Homemaking

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Welcome to my blog! My name is Lisa and I'm the Retro Housewife trying to live a greener life. I share my love of all things vintage, homemaking and green living here on the blog. To read more, click here.

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