Return of the Victory Garden! Spring Planting Guide

April 20, 2020

What a year!

This has been an incredible year… incredibly challenging for many of us. If you love to nurture fruits and vegetables and watch them grow, there has never been a better time.

The Return of the Victory Garden

Seasoned gardeners and new planters are also discussing a return of the victory garden, an idea originally launched during WWI and again in WWII. Also called “food gardens for defense”, victory gardens planted both at private residences and on public land during World War I and World War II to reduce the pressure on the public food supply brought on by the war effort.
The 2020 pandemic victory garden has a different twist, but the basic concept is the same: Growing your own food is a rewarding, healthy and fun way to contribute to your home and community food supply.

“The act of planting a seed is an act of faith in tomorrow,” Hoffman says. “During this time of limited movement, a garden is a place to find solace, joy and wonder, and hopefully some great things to eat.” – N. Astrid Hoffman with The Living Seed Company in an article for The Mercury News.

Aren’t I Supposed to Stay Home? Simple Tricks for Getting Your Grow On in a Pandemic

Intrigued? Here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Use items you have on hand: Cups, egg crates and small containers will work just fine for get your seeds started! Think about where to source soil and compost in a safe and responsible manner, whether it is on your property or a delivery source.
  • The same goes for seeds! You can safely swap seeds with neighbors by communicating online and dropping sanitized packets on your neighbors porch. Alternately, you can order seeds for your ultimate victory garden from your favorite garden store.
  • Review which plants want to be started outside vs. inside and when. One of my favorite things to do is make a map of my ideal garden, considering sun, shade, water points and companion plants.

What tips and tricks do you have for starting a plentiful fruit and vegetable garden from existing items in your home and community?

Already started? Please share your photos!
Happy Growing!

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