Oh The Fun We Will Have: Victory Sweet Victory

Our Family has been interested in the idea of 'Victory Gardens' for some time.

http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cooking-
basics/better-homes-and-gardens-timeline/?page=2

With so much talk of bringing home troops, it seems like the perfect time to promote a Victory garden...

Although we'd love to keep our guy home, all the time...
There are practical reasons, more so than sentimental, for our interest.

When these troops do come home, and they are, what happens to the selection at your favorite stores? It is already looking a bit sad, especially with this heat.

bit of history:

At the end of WWII, the crops were looking a bit scarce. All efforts had been focused on the war. Any and every able body was a part of that effort. It could be assumed that many of our fighters were from farms and rural areas, leaving the work force at a minimal.

WWII also gave women a dramatic shift their primary role...These were all for the greater good, and brought about wonderful opportunities.
As a country however, some things were left behind. The government knew this. (They know a lot before we realize it.) And on this one, They, may have got it right.
At wars end the government began promoting, diligently, to plant victory gardens in an effort to support the war and returning troops...
Maybe they were a little concerned that the food supply would not be able to sustain the flux of returning soldiers. JUST A THOUGHT...
Poster's went up in high volume, including magazine ads.
Canning was highly encouraged,
and so called

VICTORY GARDENS sprung up EVERYWHERE!

Fast Forward to the present:

Have you notice many similarities?
Our 'Boys' are coming home.
The food supply is adequate at best.
And WOW haven't you notice the sudden push for canning...
AGAIN, JUST SAYING.

What ever your reason,

What ever your motivation.

It is always 'vogue' to plant your own food.

With all the promotions,
and amazing information available,
planting your own garden has become much easier
and less and less a 'forgone' concept.

For us,

We will plant our garden for our guy.

Our Special Soldier.

Fall is upon us.

What a wonderful time to start your own VICTORY GARDEN...

There are so many different sites to check out,

To help aid you as you choose your Victory Garden.

Don't forget what an amazing source you have in your local farmers, and Neighbors.
Talk to them, THEY LOVE TO TALK...
and why not, they are passionate about what they do.

Many Farmers at your local Farmers Markets will have seedlings.
If you are 'fresh' at planting,
this may be a good start for you.

Just remember to not give up,
gardening has a learning curve.
The only way to figure it out,
Is to try.

We added links to Farmers Markets, on the State Pages.

http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe40s/crops_02.html

What Is a Victory Garden? http://americanhistory.si.edu/house/yourvisit/victorygarden.asp

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.

From California to Florida, Americans plowed backyards, vacant lots, parks, baseball fields, and schoolyards to set out gardens. Children and adults fertilized, planted, weeded, and watered in order to harvest an abundance of vegetables.

Colorful posters and regular feature articles in newspapers and magazines helped to get the word out and encouraged people to stick with it. The goal was to produce enough fresh vegetables through the summer for the immediate family and neighbors. Any excess produce was canned and preserved for the winter and early spring until next year's victory garden produce was ripe.

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. While the gardens themselves are now gone, posters, seed packets and catalogs, booklets, photos and films, newspaper articles and diaries, and people's memories still remain to tell us the story of victory gardens.