| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| melody |
Posted - Mar 20 2009 : 5:16:34 PM
During World War II as part of the war effort, the government rationed foods like sugar, butter, milk, cheese, eggs, coffee, meat and canned goods. Labor and transportation shortages made it hard to harvest and move fruits and vegetables to market. So, the government turned to its citizens and encouraged them to plant "Victory Gardens." They wanted individuals to provide their own fruits and vegetables.
Nearly 20 million Americans answered the call. They planted gardens in backyards, empty lots and even city rooftops. Neighbors pooled their resources, planted different kinds of foods and formed cooperatives, all in the name of patriotism.
Farm families, of course, had been planting gardens and preserving produce for generations. Now, their urban cousins got into the act. All in the name of patriotism.
Magazines such as the Saturday Evening Post and Life printed stories about victory gardens, and women's magazines gave instructions on how to grow and preserve garden produce. Families were encouraged to can their own vegetables to save commercial canned goods for the troops. In 1943, families bought 315,000 pressure cookers (used in the process of canning), compared to 66,000 in 1942. The government and businesses urged people to make gardening a family and community effort.
The result of victory gardening? The US Department of Agriculture estimates that more than 20 million victory gardens were planted. Fruit and vegetables harvested in these home and community plots was estimated to be 9-10 million tons, an amount equal to all commercial production of fresh vegetables. So, the program made a difference.
Kelly Holthus remembers that it was hard to find fresh produce, and it was a way for individuals to do their part on the home front. "It was a great moral thing," he says. "And for young people like me, it was, you know, I could do my part. I was a part of the effort!"
When World War II ended, so did the government promotion of victory gardens. Many people did not plant a garden in the spring of 1946, but agriculture had not yet geared up to full production for grocery stores, so the country experienced some food shortages
Story from Wessels Living History Farm York, Nebraska--Farming in the 40's www.livinghistoryfarm.org
I will be taking weekly notes of my growing season, temperatures, seeds planted, rain fall, and lots of photos for my first Victory Garden summer of 2009. Come and join the fun of having your own little Victory Garden!! 
Melody
http://melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
www.bythebayhandcraftedsoap.com
www.lemonverbenasoap.etsy.com
www.andsewitgoes.etsy.com |
| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Alee |
Posted - Mar 22 2009 : 8:41:00 PM
That is awesome, Heather! I am thinking of planting thinks like Blackberries and Raspberries along our fence line. I might even plant grapes!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| PlumCreekMama |
Posted - Mar 22 2009 : 8:31:36 PM
I transplanted my rhubarb and had enough to plant another 18 hills at my mom's house. I bought some seeds today to get started. I've decided to redo my entire garden into raised beds, so I've got tons of work to do!
http://plumcreekmama.blogspot.com/
http://plumcreekcreations.etsy.com |
| idsweetie72 |
Posted - Mar 21 2009 : 11:45:52 AM
Though there is still snow on the ground, I have my seeds started and most are ready to be transplanted when we get the gardens ready. This year we are putting in a new garden- it will be 4x the size of my old garden,(not very big- only about 500square feet), and my old garden is getting revamped into a medicinal/other herb garden. I researched and planned and ordered all sorts of herb seeds/uses/prep/ect- I am so excited- can't wait to start planting! My husband built me a walk-in greenhouse/hothouse in our main home. (actually it is in our 'master'bedroom- our UNFINISHED masterbedroom-) But at least I'm getting use out of the space!
Mazy Day Farm |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Mar 21 2009 : 11:22:50 AM
We're planting one too! It will be a file box Victory Garden on the patio. I can't wait to start planting. If you're on Twitter type in #twitter4vg in the search box. You'll find a whole bunch of people talking about the challenge of starting a victory garden for $25.
Handmade Soap & Lotion Bars http://www.therusticcottagebath.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
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| melody |
Posted - Mar 21 2009 : 09:15:32 AM
Sharon. I know what you mean. With us here in the UP our season starts late May and ends very quickly, but with raised beds hopefully I will have a decent amout of veggies, etc. to harvest throughout the summer.
Melody
Farmgirl #525
http://melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
www.bythebayhandcraftedsoap.com
www.lemonverbenasoap.etsy.com
www.andsewitgoes.etsy.com |
| ranchetta |
Posted - Mar 20 2009 : 10:20:30 PM
Melody, What a WONDERFUL POST!!!
Great info., ....had no clue what a Victory Garden was....thanks!
I'm on it now!!!
http://curlywillowsranch.blogspot.com/
http://alteredshots.blogspot.com/ |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Mar 20 2009 : 9:46:32 PM
I've got my seeds but planting time for us isn't until the end of May because of frost :( and the growing season is short :(
~Sharon
By His Grace, For His Glory |
| farmmom22 |
Posted - Mar 20 2009 : 8:58:22 PM
I've got my started already and have my journal going as well. I plan to keep busy this spring and summer growing and putting away. Tammy
http://afarmgirljourney.blogspot.com/
Farmgirl Sister #492
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. -Carl Bard |
| Mumof3 |
Posted - Mar 20 2009 : 6:22:01 PM
Mine is tilled and ready. :)
Karin
Farmgirl Sister
# 18 :)
www.perfectlittlemiracle.blogspot.com
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| Alee |
Posted - Mar 20 2009 : 5:34:37 PM
Sounds great Melody! I will be planting my own Victory Garden as soon as I can!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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