Plant a Victory Garden Today!

Preparing our garden

Victory Gardens are gaining popularity once again. And it's a no-brainer that they are! People are sick and tired of GMO* food. They are getting back to basics and want freedom from huge food conglomerates. Families are striving to be more self-sufficient and want better health through better nutrition.

The term Victory Garden goes back to World War l and World War ll. It was part of the war propaganda in which individuals were encouraged to plant a home garden as part of the war effort. It was thought that this would lessen the demand on the food supply, plus be a morale booster - people would feel better during difficult times because they were making a contribution and showing support for the men at war. It was also encouraged because growing your own fresh fruits and vegetables is considered a rewarding experience. 

If you've never tried vegetable gardening, now is a good time to start your own Victory Garden! You never know when you may find yourself in circumstances where you will be thankful you did. It doesn't take much to produce a decent harvest that will feed your family. Even if you are short on space, start with potted tomatoes on your patio or porch. You will be glad you did. You'll gain the satisfaction of growing your own tomatoes and have the benefit of fresh and flavorful; not tasteless like the grocery store kind.

Tip:

• Check with your local extension service to find out what grows best in your area.

Besides the obvious benefits of better eating, vegetable gardening is good for you in other ways as well! 

• Digging in the garden is good for the mind and body. It's cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes.
• It is economical. It helps cut down on your food bill and you enjoy the health benefits of fresh from the garden produce.  
• It builds character. It requires patience to plant a seed and watch it grow. Getting the kids involved to help with the planting and maintenance of the garden develops responsibility. Starting a garden and bringing it to harvest develops a sense of accomplishment. 

Be victorious and gain some independence from the mega-food-suppliers and plant your victory garden today!



*GMO - Genetically Modified Organisms

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Have time for some further reading? Here's an interesting article about a woman in Michigan who faced a possible 93 days in jail after being charged with a misdemeanor of planting a vegetable garden in her front yard. 

Having lived in a neighborhood where front yard vegetable gardens were frowned upon and considered unsightly, I understand communities that don't like the appearance of front yard vegetable gardens. However, since moving to a rural community where people are much less pretentious and front yard vegetable gardens are fairly common, I see the value of using available space. 

By no means should anyone go to jail for planting a vegetable garden anywhere on their own property.