Looking for easy tips for starting a Victory Garden? Now is definitely the time to bump up those plans for starting a victory garden. With everything going on in the world, being able to grow and sustain your own food source is now more important than ever.
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Shortage of supplies and long lines at the grocery store could the new norm for however long so taking the steps now to prepare your own victory garden at home will not only give your food for months, it will save you money and stress as well.
Keep in mind that victory gardens aren’t a new concept at all. In fact, these are what got many people through times of war in the past when food shortages and money issues were rampant. Being able to know, without worry, that you can grow healthy food for you and your family is a great way that you can alleviate that worry altogether in your home.
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What was the purpose of a victory garden?
This may vary depending on who you ask but victory gardens are used to fill the needs and demands of foods for personal homes and families when food shortages are happening at the store. This often happens during war times and other catastrophic events throughout the country.
How did Victory Gardens start?
Victory gardens actually date all the way back to World War I where the food was in very low supply. Those who had a small space of land were asked to try and grow their own food to feed themselves and their families to allow the other food items for people who didn’t have the option.
Who grew Victory Gardens?
People from all over the world grew them. Private residences would have them planted in their yard and there were even some public parks and spaces that had them, too. If there was ground that was open, there was a good chance that a garden was going to be created.
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How did Victory Gardens work?
Back in the day, these “war gardens” were used to supplement foods that the government was limiting or rationing. People were asked to grow food for their own families to help with the food shortages that were happening all over the world.
What do you plant in a Victory Garden?
Great question. Planting the right plants in your garden is key. While there might be a little bit of variance on what to plant, here are some great vegetables and plants that should be easy enough to start with.
- Beans (learn about canning green beans)
- Onions
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes (canning tomato sauce)
- Carrots
- Cabbage
- Beets
- Mixture of herbs (need tips for the lazy herb gardener)
- Peppers
- Squash
- Melons
- Turnips
- Parsley
- Kale
Before planting anything, make certain that you educate yourself on the planting zone for where you live to be certain that you’re planting garden items that are actually going to grow in your soil and temperature. It’d be a shame to waste garden space on something that isn’t set up to thrive in your environment.
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Easy Tips for Starting a Victory Garden
Now that you know a bit of the history of these “war gardens” and the type of seeds to consider planting, let’s talk about a few simple tips for starting your victory garden as well.
- Depending on where you live, you might be able to have some sort of victory garden all year long. This might mean growing some things indoors, but it’s entirely possible to do.
- For your garden to thrive, it needs to be located in a place that is going to get at least 6 hours of sunlight each and every day.
- Figure out your soil and make certain that it’s tilled and ready to go. If you have a compost, add that fresh and rich soil to your garden area as well.
- Make certain that you get your seeds from a trusted company and only order things that you can envision your family actually eating. Why take up precious garden space with something that is just going to grow and go to waste?
- Plant your seeds for your spring/summer garden after the worry of cold weather has passed.
- Read the directions on the pack of the seed packets and adhere to the depth for planting as well as space in-between the rows and seeds.
- Check on your garden daily to make certain that it’s getting enough water and growing well. The best time to water your garden is early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it’s not as hot and the sun isn’t bearing down with hot rays and heat.
How can I stretch the food that I grow in my own garden?
Fresh produce is awesome but sometimes your garden might produce faster than you can eat. When this happens, don’t waste food. Learn how to can food and also properly prepare and freeze it for later.
There are so many ways that you can stock up on food that you grow from your own garden that doesn’t have to have it eaten “fresh”.
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