Kristen Baumlier

In the past few years, more individuals are raising their own backyard vegetables. A resurgence in gardening bring to mind the victory gardens of World War I and World War II all over again – when the government was urging Americans to get busy growing food in any backyard.  The effort was seen as a way to support the military, since the canned fruits and vegetables would go to the groups – and citizens would raise and preserve their own food.

Also called “war gardens” or “food gardens for defense,” gardens were planted in peoples’ backyards and on public land in World War I and World War II.

In 1943, over 20 million backyard gardens produced 8 million tons of food – almost half the fruits and vegetables consumed across the country. In the city neighbors banded together, cleaned up vacant lots and planted their own community gardens.

The gardens were also considered a civil morale booster since gardeners could feel empowered by their contribution of their work and rewarded by the produce grown. These gardens produced up to 41 percent of all the vegetable produce that was consumed in the nation.

Victory gardens were planted in backyards and on apartment-building rooftops, with the occasional vacant lot “put to use as a cornfield or a squash patch. During World War II, sections of lawn were publicly plowed for plots in Hyde Park, London to publicize the movement.  In New York City, the lawns around vacant Riverside were devoted to victory gardens, and in  San Francisco  part of Golden Gate Park was made into a garden.

Victory Gardens came in many shapes and sizes. People in all areas, both urban and rural – made gardens to grow food for their families, friends, and neighbors.

Today the idea of the government promoting gardening seems far away.  For years we have been bombarded by marketing images and messages of shopping and purchasing goods as a way to support our economy and country.

In 2011, the modern, grassroots- driven victory garden is often inspired by the local food movement which aims to promote good health and change in the environment.

Some modern day victory garden projects include the work of the artist group Future Farmers, who did a project from 2007-09 to promote victory gardens, and the Victory Garden Initiative whose motto is, “Move grass… Grow food.”  There has been increase in community gardens, and cities like Detroit where farming in vacant lots and in front yards is helping create positive change in the community.

Where I live – it is the end of the growing season – but we have all Fall and Winter to plan and dream of what to grow in the garden next year.

Links:

Future Farmers Victory Garden Project

American Community Gardens Association

Victory Garden Initiative

Eagle Street Rooftop Farm