Inspired by: Scholastic book website (www.scholastic.com)

The Victory Garden “Cured My War Jitters”
L.H. Robbins, “15,000,000 Victory Gardens,” New York Magazine, August 23, 1942, 15 – 25.

In 1943, the United States government began to promote a victory garden program although many Americans began gardening earlier in the war to relieve tension as well as providing them with relaxation. Victory Gardens were used to provide citizens with a portion of their own food so that massive food production could be sent to feed the soldiers overseas. Government officials encouraged anyone, even children, who owned enough land to grow a garden. Those who did not own land also joined the effort by growing community gardens in vacant lots. As a result of canned foods being added to the ration list in 1943, 20 million victory gardens were planted. The largest number of victory gardens grown was in 1943, but people began to stop growing them by 1944, when canned foods were taken off the ration list. The United States government tried to encourage the citizens to continue growing to help maintain world peace, but victory gardens began to lose popularity. Although American citizens no longer grew victory gardens, many American continued to enjoy the relaxation of gardening. As a result, gardening became a hobby for many and no longer was seen the patriotic duty of the nation.

Tucker, David M. Kitchen Gardening in America: A History. Iowa State University Press, 1993. 134 – 139.

Materials:
1. window boxes for planting with drainage trays
2. seeds: lettuce, radish, or any other small vegetables
3. potting soil
4. plastic wrap
5. craft sticks
6. markers
7. water

Directions:
1. Add potting soil to your window boxes so that
it reaches an inch below the top rim.
2. Scatter the seeds lightly over the soil about an
inch apart – remember a few seed go a long way! You
can combine different seeds in one container or
separate them. If you mix them, just plant them in separate sections of the box. Label
the craft stick with the type of seed it is and stick it into the soil where it is appropriate.
3. Sprinkle a thin layer of soil over the seeds then add water lightly and cover the
boxes with plastic wrap. Now it’s ready for the windowsill.
4. Continue to water by removing plastic wrap, watering the seeds (try not to over water)
and replace the plastic wrap once you are finished watering.
5. When the seeds begin to sprout, you can remove the plastic wrap for good.
6. In about 4 – 5 weeks your veggies will be ready for harvesting. Remember to wash the
vegetables before eating.

ENJOY YOUR VICTORY GARDEN!

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