During the World Wars, commodities that were typically plentiful throughout the world were very hard to come by. The lack of things like nylon stockings, car tires, and gasoline made life more difficult to be sure, but the shortage of food presented a much more terrifying possibility.

In an effort to “do their part” millions of people in countries like America and Great Britain, went out into their yards and did what their ancestors had done for most of human history… They planted gardens. But this time, it wasn’t just work – it was a civic duty, a matter of pride, and part of a huge community effort.

By 1943, there were more than 20 million of these “Victory” or “War” gardens growing in every corner of America.

It didn’t have to be a big garden, it didn’t have to be a particularly fantastic garden. What mattered was that the people were doing something to help themselves, while helping their communities at the same time.

There are movements afoot today that say we should revive the idea of the victory garden. I, personally, am all for it. It doesn’t take much effort to reap a big reward!

Planting a Victory Garden doesn’t mean you have to till up your entire lawn and spend hours of back breaking work each day trying to maintain it. Start small. If you’ve got a flower bed that could use a little sprucing up, try adding a few vegetable plants. No flower bed? No problem! Contrary to popular belief, many veggie plants are perfectly happy to grow in pots – as long as you manage their nutrients correctly. (I’ve been growing a hot pepper plant in a container – outside when possible, indoors when it’s not – for nearly four years now, and my chili has never tasted better!)

No time? Why not start a community garden, recruit people from your neighborhood to come help out, share the responsibilities, and reap the rewards! This is especially good entertainment for kids who are having trouble finding reasons to go outside – and it gives them a great sense of accomplishment to eat a salad they grew themselves!

If you absolutely have no green in your thumb, you can make the decision to buy most of your food from local sources – and your local farmers will thank you for it!

Need more help? Try these great sites!
Revive the Victory Garden
Victory Gardens ’08, San Francisco
Grandpa’s Victory Garden

And, of course…
The Victory Garden on PBS

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