Gardens at Home: Popular Because of the Economy

During World War I there here Liberty Gardens. During World War II there were Victory Gardens. These were gardens created by individuals in an effort to relieve some of the stress that the war put on the communities, but they were not stimulated by the people. Originally it was a government program, and a program that caught on fast.

The victory gardens of World War II accomplished two things. It provided additional fresh food that was needed because of the war, providing additional food provisions for the war effort and supplying food to their families and local communities during a time of need in America. Secondly, it gave the people growing the gardens an emotional link to the war, a way to help.

Not unlike the 1930's and 40's, America is in an economical calamity and many are turning to urban gardens to help themselves through difficult financial times. These gardens aren't limited to single families either. Neighborhoods and communities all over the United States are coming together to create and grow their own victory gardens.

Michelle Obama broke ground on the first victory garden at the White House since Eleanor Roosevelt took residence. The First Lady's garden is an organic garden and wasn't created because the economy is in such disarray, but to show people they could still eat healthy by creating their own vegetable gardens.

Whether it is to eat healthier or because of the financial strains put on them, people everywhere are planting these urban gardens. CNN reported that seed sales are up 38-50 percent this year alone. Victory gardens are popping up in urban areas, between houses and buildings, all over the country.

The number of modern victory gardens people are planting this year is still unknown. The Economist reports that in the 1940's, victory gardens accounted for 40 percent of America's vegetables. Could the United States bring that much vigor back into this "program"? If you are going to grow a vegetable garden this year, now is a good time to start planning and planting.

Starting a victory garden is an admirable endeavor for anyone and can be very rewarding. It does take some planning and hard work. But with a little bit of both, you can have high quality, even organic, vegetables for your family while helping your family financially. Now is the time to begin to plot out your garden, consider your crop rotation and buy seeds or seedlings. There are many blogs and websites that can help you get started. Even a trip to your nearest nursery can help you catch the gardening bug, with lots of helpful advice.