Gardening Resources
Victory Gardens ...A History
What is a Victory Garden?
During World War I and World War II, to reduce the pressure on the public food supply brought on by the war effort, the United States government asked its citizens to plant gardens in order to support the war effort. Vegetable, fruit and herb gardens were not only planted at private residences in United States, but in the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany.
In 1943, Americans planted over 20 million Victory Gardens, and the harvest accounted for nearly a third of all the vegetables consumed in the country that year. Emphasis was placed on making gardening a family or community effort -- not a drudgery, but a pastime, and a national duty. 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.
Why plant a Victory Garden Today?
Today our food travels an average of 1,500 miles from farm to table. The process of planting, fertilizing, processing, packaging, and transporting our food uses a great deal of energy and contributes to the cause of global warming.
Planting a Victory Garden to fight global warming would reduce the amount of pollution your food contributes to global warming. Instead of traveling many miles from farm to table, your food would travel from your own garden to your table.
Our current economic situation is another good reason to start your very own Victory Garden. Every time that food is shipped from the farm to the store and your table, gasoline is used. As gasoline prices rise, food costs rise.
"Victory" in the pressing context of urban sustainability. "Victory" is growing food at home for increased local food security and reducing the food miles associated with the average American meal.
Heidi's Lifestyle Gardens wants to help you get your Victory Garden started. Learn more our our NEW SERVICE under "Services" or contact us at 763-475-4960.
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