Victory Gardens

Back during the Great Depression, Americans who lived outside of major cities grew Victory Gardens to survive. Most people did not have much money and they could not afford to buy food. Then in 2020, the idea came back around. Our seed sales went sky high once everything shut down. We had our best year ever and everyone wanted to learn how to grow their own food because food was very limited at the grocery store.

After Covid died down and things opened back up, the whole idea kind of died with it. Now there is talk of more shut downs due to other pandemics or even biological warfare. Of course, we do not want any of that but one should be prepared for the unexpected. Whoever would have guessed there would be a Great Depression back in 1929? Whoever would have guessed there would be a horrible pandemic in 2020?

Victory Gardens - 7/7-7/13/2025

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to grow your own food, right in your backyard? That’s the beauty of a victory garden! But let's take a step back and start from the beginning. Victory gardens were once a staple in American culture, especially during challenging times. By the end of this article, you'll know exactly what they are, why they were so significant, and how you can plant one today.

Victory gardens, also known as war gardens or food gardens for defense, were vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens planted at private residences and public parks in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Australia during World War I and World War II. These gardens helped to parse out the food shortages and resource strains caused by the wars.

So why were victory gardens so crucial back then? Well, during the world wars, food was in short supply. Many farmers were drafted into the military, thus diminishing the workforce needed for food production. Additionally, transportation of fresh produce was limited due to the resources needed for the war effort.

Victory gardens became a way for everyday citizens to contribute to the war effort. By growing their own food, they were able to save commercially canned foods for soldiers. Not only did this ease the burden on the food supply, but it also boosted morale on the home front.

Imagine the satisfaction of planting a seed, tending to it, and eventually seeing it grow into something edible. Many Americans experienced this firsthand by cultivating their own backyard gardens and reaping the benefits of fresh, homegrown vegetables and fruits.

Let's focus on how you, today, can start planting your own victory garden. First things first, location is key. Choose a sunny spot in your yard as most vegetables need about six to eight hours of sunlight per day.

Once you've picked the perfect spot, it’s time to plan your garden. What vegetables or fruits do you and your family enjoy? Start with those. It’s also wise to consider growing food that can be preserved or stored for long periods.

Before you get your hands dirty, you'll need the right seeds. A great place to get high-quality seeds is David's Garden Seeds® website. They're renowned for offering a wide variety of heirloom seeds that can ensure a bountiful harvest.

Preparing the soil is the next step. Enrich your garden soil with compost or well-rotted manure. This step is essential because healthy soil means healthy plants. You can often source these from a local gardening center or even make your own compost at home.

Now, it’s time to plant! Follow the instructions on your seed packets for the best results. Remember to water your plants regularly and be mindful of any pesky weeds that might pop up.

Gardening might seem overwhelming at first, but it relies heavily on consistency and patience. With time, you'll start to see sprouts, and eventually, your hard work will pay off with a garden full of fresh produce.

One of the fantastic benefits of victory gardens is the ability to grow clean food. You're in control of what goes into your garden, allowing you to avoid harmful pesticides and chemicals.

By growing your own food, you're taking a significant step toward sustainability. Not only does it reduce your carbon footprint, but it also contributes to food security for your family.

Having your own garden is not just about the food—it’s also a source of relaxation and exercise. Digging, planting, and watering can be a rewarding escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Think about involving your kids or younger family members in the gardening process. It’s a great learning experience for them and can instill a love for nature and an understanding of where our food comes from.

You might be wondering, what should you do if the grocery store runs out? Well, with a victory garden in place, you'll already have a head start in being self-reliant during difficult times.

We should also consider the rich history behind these gardens. During World War II, it was estimated that over 20 million victory gardens were planted in the United States. This effort produced up to 40% of all the vegetables consumed in the nation.

With results like these, it’s no wonder victory gardens are seeing a resurgence. More people are recognizing that having a garden contributes positively both to personal well-being and community resilience.

As you plant, think of the larger movement you're becoming part of. Growing your own food is not just a personal victory but a triumph for the community and, indeed, the planet.

You might wonder about fitting this all into a busy lifestyle. Many find that once a routine is established, gardening becomes a relaxing and integral part of daily life rather than a chore.

Even with small spaces, such as a balcony, you’re not left out. Many urban gardeners turn to vertical gardening techniques or pots to make the most of limited areas. In fact, a lot of our customers come to our Farm Store asking if our seeds will grow in pots. Yes, as long as you have drainage holes in the bottom of your pot and as long as you remember to water them.

Raised beds are another excellent option, especially if you’ve got poor soil conditions or back issues. You can control the soil quality better, and it’s easier on the knees and back.

If you’re dealing with little time, start small with easy-to-grow plants like lettuce, radishes, or herbs. These can be quick to harvest and highly rewarding.

Harvesting your garden’s bounty is like capturing the essence of the sun's energy. There's nothing quite like biting into a tomato fresh off the vine.

After you’ve gathered your vegetables, explore different methods of preserving them. Canning, freezing, dehydrating, or freeze drying are ways to keep your garden's produce year-round.

Don't forget to rotate crops each year. This technique prevents soil-borne diseases from building up and makes the most out of the nutrients in your soil.

Consider companion planting—certain plants grow better together than they do individually. Tomatoes and basil, for instance, not only make a great combo in dishes but also improve each other’s growth.

Pest control can be a gardener's nightmare, but there are natural ways to combat these intruders. Encouraging beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, can help keep unwanted pests at bay.

Rainwater collection is an environmentally friendly way to reduce water use and can be a practical resource for your garden during dry spells.

Sharing your surplus with neighbors or local food banks can also strengthen community ties and help others, a sentiment at the very core of the victory garden's history.

Joining a local gardening club or community garden can provide additional support and resources. You'll meet like-minded individuals and learn from more seasoned gardeners.

Remember, just like anything new, you may face challenges. Plants may not grow as expected, or weather may not cooperate. View these as learning opportunities, not failures.

Document your garden's journey with photos or notes. Reflecting on past seasons will help you make improvements in the years to come.

Consider celebrating your garden's success with a small gathering. There’s something special about sharing a meal with food straight from your own garden.

As you might gather, victory gardens are more than just plots of land—they represent hope, resilience, and a commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

Gardening also provides an escape from digital screens and a chance to reconnect with nature, which can be quite therapeutic in today’s fast-paced world.

While technology has improved many aspects of life, victory gardens remind us of the simplicity and satisfaction found in planting seeds and watching life bloom.

Let’s not forget the sense of empowerment that comes with growing your own food. It fosters independence and confidence in your ability to provide.

Your victory garden can reflect your creativity and style. Mix in flowers or design unique plant layouts that bring you joy.

Get inspired by other gardens. Many resources are available both online and in books that showcase a variety of garden styles and ideas.

Talking to older generations who may remember working in victory gardens can provide valuable insights and interesting stories.

Despite their origins in wartime, the principles behind victory gardens—sustainability, self-reliance, and community spirit—are timeless.

In times of challenge, like fluctuations in grocery store availability, a home garden offers a safety net.

If you’re passionate about the environment, consider how your garden contributes positively to ecosystem health, provides habitats, and increases pollinators.

Your garden has the potential to become a multisensory experience. Different textures, colors, and scents can create a lush, peaceful retreat.

When you engage in the cycle of planting, tending, and harvesting, you tap into an age-old rhythm respected by every farmer throughout history.

Encourage your local community to follow suit. More neighborhood gardens mean more food, community connections, and local resilience during crises.

Victory gardens are important for providing food for your family and keeping one is a statement of caring for your loved ones.

To wrap it up, starting a victory garden could be a practical, healthy, and rewarding venture. It doesn’t require much to start: some seeds, a bit of space, and a can-do attitude.

As you embark on this gardening journey, remember to enjoy each step of the process. The small successes add up to a beautiful harvest.

Keep in mind the broader impact you’re making. Every tomato or carrot you grow contributes to a larger community and environmental initiative.

You’re now a part of a tradition that has supported families through some of the toughest times in history.

Consider sharing your experiences and knowledge online or with friends and family to inspire others to grow clean food.

While modern victory gardens look different from those of the past, their spirit remains unchanged. They represent resilience, sustenance, and hope.

Ultimately, the power of victory gardens lies in their potential to bring people together and to cultivate nourishment, not just for the body, but also for the soul.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab some heirloom vegetable seeds from David's Garden Seeds® and embark on your path to a flourishing victory garden. You may be surprised at the difference it makes in your life.

Monday, July 7, 2025

Good Monday morning. I don't think it rained over night. It was supposed to rain at 6am but it is now 6:35am and no rain. At this point, I cannot see the rain gauge and I am not yet up to walking outside. It is currently 75° Fahrenheit with 100% humidity so it will feel ugly out there. The high today should be 90° and it will get worse as the week goes on.

The latest report on the flooding says that so far, 82 are dead and another 41 are missing. This is just horrible. The dead include 28 children at this time. They are still searching now with heartbreaking results. Then some buffoon woman running for Congress in Georgia says it is all fake and others have blamed the flooding and deaths on President Trump. What on earth is wrong with people?

Top it all off with Elon Musk who has now started the America party to take votes away from Republicans so the Democrats will start winning again. He is butt hurt and angry with Trump because of the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill so he is trying to trash the country after a very public fight with the President. What is going on with everyone? What a mess!

The only thing this new party will do is take votes away from the Republican party causing the Democrats to win. It will split the Conservative vote. This is madness.

We are drowning in eggs here so I scrambled up a bunch for breakfast.

I am busy filling orders but I hopped on here to let you know we had a customer already. Of course, David was on the phone with his doctor's office talking about personal things and in comes a family. I tried to get them out as quickly as possible. We really need a wall.

I had to renew this website for the year and I did that this morning. Now a second truck has pulled in with pallets of grass on the back. I don't think we ordered them.

Lol! No, the grass is not for us. They wanted to buy trees and plants. So it was a distraction and a time waster. I don't mind helping customers who come to buy seeds but others who want stuff we do not have I just don't understand. Back to my orders...

I have filled a bunch but they keep on coming in so I have more to fill now than when I started this morning.

It is now 5:16pm and we are getting some thunder. Raindrops are starting to fall. It is extremely hot but Alexa says the temperature is only 88°.

The latest Texas flood information now says that 104 people have lost their lives but they are still searching.

This evening, it started pouring. I came home in the pouring rain. We got 3/4 of an inch. While it was raining, I was taking shells off of shrimp and then deveining them. Fun times. Matt came in and I made him help me but he did not stay for dinner although he was invited. It seemed like it took forever. Then there was another big, double rainbow.

We had another double rainbow this evening. You can barely see the top one and this rainbow is not as bright as the last one but it is a full arc across the sky.

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Good morning. There is no rain now. I just heard how a famous morning show person on TV dropped her kids off at camp in Texas this past Sunday. She got all emotional about it. Why on earth would she drop her kids off while the flooding is still going on and bodies are being pulled out of the mess. Is she crazy? I would say no to sending my kids off to camp in Texas on the very weekend when flooding is still occurring and they haven't found all of the bodies yet. They have already found 104 dead people. It just doesn't seem like the right time to be sending kids off to summer camp.

It rained again around 4pm. I think we got 1/4 inch. Now at 6pm, it is bright and sunny again.

Now the news says 109 are dead and 161 more people are missing from flooding in Texas. That is just crazy.

We had a two hour meeting last night off of the farm and got home at 9:50pm.

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Good morning. I just balanced the checkbook and paid a bill that I got in the mail yesterday. It is humid and promises to be hot today. I have to go out to the goat area and put down some new fly poison by the goats, but not in the area. I had some going but we had all of that rain and that was the end of that. Now I have poison crystals. The flies are super bad out there.

It is now almost 6pm. I am just about to close up and go in to cook dinner. Nacho was here this morning to change the rabbit shed into a storage shed since we are selling all of our storage sheds. He did not get to finish.

The people who bought our three compartment commercial sink came to pick it up today.

We let Norton breed the adult female goats one final time today so we will see if anything comes of that. Early tomorrow morning, Norton leaves the farm. He is mean to me and wants to hurt me. If Matt is not here, I cannot control him so he has to go, unfortunately.

We had no in person customers. I worked on orders for most of the day.

First thing this morning, I put fly poison out near the goat area because the flies are thick. I got QuikStrike crystals for the problem. I smooshed a few apples that fell on the ground in the trays.

The seed move continues. We still have quite a few to move and situate. I am still working in Fulfillment but David intends on moving me to his old office in the Kitchen building, instead of in the store.

David made a Walmart order which was delivered sometime after 12pm today.

I have to go in now and make dinner for this evening's Gordon show.

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Good morning. It is sunny, humid, and hot. We are not supposed to get any rain here today.

This is my fresh sourdough starter as of this morning. It is already beginning to bubble.

My sourdough starter is coming along. I just finished changing it plus I washed out the jar before putting the new mixture in. I started it on Sunday afternoon. I am hoping it will be ready to start using sometime over the next few days.

Sue Ellen's back right foot is somehow injured. I examined it but I don't see or feel anything in it. David will be back soon so maybe he can figure it out. He and Matt left early this morning to take Norton away. Matt texted about 30 minutes ago that they were on their way back.

Sue Ellen's foot seems to be fine this evening. I worked until 6pm and then went in. The days are long and hot. They all run into each other.

Friday, July 11, 2025

It's Friday again. This week flew by. I did not even realize that it has been a week since the Texas flooding began. In several counties, there has been flooding, not just in Kerr County. There are 121 deaths right now but another 161 people are missing. In Kerr County, 96 are dead and 36 of them were children. Rescuers are still searching as they clean up the areas destroyed by the flood.

This afternoon, I started a loaf of sourdough. It is currently rising or attempting to. It is hard to rise in a cold house.

Well, it was another tough day. I filled orders all day long until 7:45pm. Seeds were moved throughout the day. I am still in Fulfillment for now.

It began to sprinkle just a few minutes ago but it is all done now. That's about it.

When I finally went in, something ran across the way and into the scarlet runner bean patch, a skinny white kitten.

Saturday, July 12, 2025

I pulled the unbaked sourdough from the refrigerator this morning. It did not rise much yesterday. It should have but it was cold in the house. I put it in the microwave so it would be out of the A/C but nothing. I put it in the oven but that did not help much. David has it warm in here this morning as he got cold in the night so maybe it will rise.

David is looking much better. He is already down 48 pounds in just five weeks.

Well, I am not exactly sure what happened but most of what I wrote for today is now missing so I will write again. I went out early this morning to feed the animals. The goats would not explore Norton's area so I went in and bungee corded the gate open. Then I cleaned his water dish and added some food. I called them but they would not come in until I left. Then they went in and had a good time.

Most of today was spent on moving me into David's old office. It was not clean since it had not been used in over a year. I wiped down the floor boards and the desk. I finally got settled and now I have a TV and a DVD player in there. I have never had those things at work before.

While going back and forth, we heard loud meows coming from under the stairs at the store. I had Matt break some of the trellis covering the opening since it was not screwed in, but stapled. A skinny white kitten finally came out. We put out water and sardines. Each time we would show up, she would run and hide. I finally brought her some milk which she loved but we could not get near her. I have no idea if it is a boy or a girl.

The kitten is shy and feral.

Once I got out of the way, the kitten loved the milk.

Later in the afternoon, I heard meows but I could not figure out where they were coming from. I did not see the kitten again so I don't know if it got into trouble.

I baked the bread but it never rose right so I am going to let the chickens enjoy it.

Sunday, July 13, 2025

I took some milk out this morning just in case the kitten was there but I did not see her or hear her. I left the milk out there just in case.

While I was in the goat pen, Alice and Trixie started fighting. Alice gave her a hard shove and a few minutes later, they were locking horns. Fun times.

I came in and made French toast for breakfast.

We went to church. David got put on a committee so that is good. It will give him something outside of the business to do and it will give him a chance to establish some friendships with some of the men at church. I wish I had that opportunity. I have not made one friend there and we have been going for a year.

It is now 1:35pm and rain just started. It came down heavy and then went really light. I saw a report that it was supposed to rain tonight.

Return from Victory Gardens to Our Sixth Year

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