Trendspotting: Plant a Victory Garden
By ModHomeEcTeacher
The epitome of DIY-ing in this economy is being played out in the growing (sorry) number of dutiful stewards planting a victory garden. This week the L.A. Times shined the light on this trend and environmentally responsible activity of good old-fashioned garden tending.
Due to food shortages during World War II, Americans were urged by the government to plant their own gardens. By 1943, Americans had planted more than 20 million Victory Gardens that reportedly produced more than 8 million tons of food. There are so many reasons to plant, tend and harvest food from your own garden, where do I begin?
1.) You control the growing process, the soil content and weed and bug control
2.) Reduce your carbon footprint
3.) Tasty vegetables from the garden to your table
4.) Reduce your grocery bill
5.) Develop a new interest and connect with others in your community and on the internet in the resurgence of the victory garden movement
6.) You get to get your hands in the soil, plant, water, tend, and watch plants grow
7.) Share your homegrown food with others
8.) You can wear a cute straw hat and gardening clogs
These next few months of winter provide lots of time to plan your garden and get connected with others doing the same.
For more information on the victory garden movement, check out http://www.redwhiteandgrew.com/
Did you like this article?
ModHomeEcTeacher's blog (328 posts)
Featured Writer
Subscribe to this blog
Member since: 11/30/06
About:
DIY Journal is the weekly column I write for The Indianapolis Star along with periodic DIY photo-tutorials for www....
Tinkk
Seriously, just the work and time it saves in NOT having to weed makes it worth it to me. It's almost "no work" gardening.
This site explains the concept and gives the basics. He also has a book.I ran across the concept on a blog a couple of years ago and have never looked back.
ModHomeEcTeacher
Tinkk-We also have LOTS of yard space. We've put in little haphazard gardens but this year is going to be different!
Tinkk
I'm a huge proponet of "square foot gardening". Greater yields in small spaces, much less work, less water usage, less resource use and depending how you choose to set it up, easy for those with physical limitations.
We have a large acreage with plenty of space, but over the last couple of years I've completely switched over to square foot and container gardening. I put plenty of fresh food on the table and still have more than enough to freeze and can for the winter months.
Add a Comment!