Make Your Very Own Family Victory Garden

There is something peaceful about a garden. The remarkable trait of nature is how quickly it dissolves distractions and commands attention. You look at the sunset and your worries fade away. 

Similarly, you walk into a garden and feel connected to the most simple parts of Earth. It’s no wonder that it’s been found that having a plant in your work environment or study space reduces anxiety by 37%. 

In turbulent and uncertain times returning to this peace is not only important, but it’s been a trend in history. Back at the beginning of World War I, the nation faced a crushing food crisis. The average American family had sparse nutritious food coupled with the already grim circumstances of fighting a global war. They found their solution in nature with the creation of Victory Gardens. 

American families during the first World War planted fruit and vegetables to provide for their families. Along with providing produce, these gardens also served as grounds for boosting morale. Families would put up American patriotism posters to show their support of the nation and boost neighborhood morale.  

In today’s current crisis, we can turn to nature to find peace and optimism. While our nation isn’t facing a food shortage to the extent of the World War I caliber, sustainable living has risen and with it the price of organic foods. Planting your very own Victory Garden can be cheaper than going to your grocery store or farmer’s market. It also can be a source of hope in quarantine.

Here are some rough guidelines provided by Smithsonian Gardens about which vegetables grow best in which season:

Fall: beets, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, parsley, radishes, spinach, swiss chard, turnips

Spring: carrots, lettuce, onions, peas, radishes

Summer: beans, corn, cucumbers, okra, peppers, tomatoes, watermelon

You can use this Grow Away 2020 poster as a little reminder that this too shall pass, and in the meantime, you’ll have delicious, fresh food to enjoy!