Standing in what will soon be my vegetable garden, I remembered something I had been meaning to look into: Victory Gardens. Somewhere in the foggy recesses of my memory, was the knowledge that Americans had produced a large quantity of vegetables during World War II.
Some research yielded this information: “Victory gardens were vegetable gardens planted during the world wars to ensure an adequate food supply for civilians and troops. Government agencies, private foundations, businesses, schools, and seed companies all worked together to provide land, instruction, and seeds for individuals and communities to grow food.”
“Emphasis was placed on making gardening a family or community effort-not a drudgery, but a pastime, and a national duty.”
“Throughout the World War II years, millions of victory gardens in all shapes and sizes–from window boxes to community plots–produced abundant food for the folks at home. The US department of Agriculture estimates that more than 20 million victory gardens were planted. Fruits and vegetables harvested in these home and community plots was estimated to be 8-10 million tops, an amount equal to all commercial production of fresh vegetables.”
Wow, it’s amazing to think that–even for a short time–people re-learned how to grow their own crops. It’s also inspiring to think of what we can do when we  work both independently and jointly to get something accomplished!
Just now opening for the season is an exhibit/re-creation of a Victory Garden at the Smithsonian. If you live near the area, check it out!
If you, like me, live nowhere near the museum run a search for “Victory Gardens” in flickr and see some gorgeous photos others have shared 🙂