Victory Gardens are making a comeback with an emphasis on sustainable food. Starting a garden is always a great idea so we have a few tips below.
During World War I, Victory Gardens began in backyards, empty lots and whatever space people could find as Americans were called to grow food. Food production had fallen dramatically as agricultural labor joined the military service.
During World War II, the victory garden movement resurfaced. Eleanor Roosevelt planted a victory garden on the White House lawn and Americans were encouraged to “Sow the Seeds of Victory.”
At its peak, it is estimated that nearly 20,000,000 gardens were grown and about 40 percent of all vegetables produced in the U.S. came from Victory Gardens.
Getting started
In my article You Don't need a Farm to Grow Food, I mentioned several ways to grow including growing vertically, in buckets or growing in small spaces.
Growing from seeds allows you to choose unique varieties and grow them according to your area. Choosing heirloom seeds will give the opportunity to save seeds from your harvest to grow more food in the future. Growing from seed and then saving seeds is like printing your own money (only better because you can't eat money)
If this is your first time growing a garden, you might consider easier varieties to grow from seed. EASY CROPS to grow that do not require much space or heavy nutrients include
Beans (50-90 days)
Beets (50-60 days)
Radish (25-35 days)
Basil (30-60 days)
Dill (30-60 days)
Cilantro (20-60 days)
Swiss Chard (60 days)
Lettuce (20-60 days)
Spinach (50-60 days)
Turnips (50-60 days)
If you intend to grow enough to preserve for future consumption, don't overlook varieties such as Tomatoes, Cucumber, Dill, Okra, Peppers, Squash, Rosemary and Pumpkin
Know What to Plant and When to plant
For a successful garden it is important to know when to plant certain crops specifically in your area. Planting in Florida for example will be much different than Colorado.
Our Comprehensive Planting Guide includes 2 fantastic options. One is a Region-Specific Guide and the other is a USDA Zone Specific Planting Guide.
Our Comprehensive Planting Guide also includes seed-specific planting information, DIY garden tutorials, helpful videos and even a few recipes
Depending on your region, you might even be able to grow year round!
A few Cool weather crops include:
Peas, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, radish, kohlrabi, radish, cabbage, chard, lettuce, spinach, beets, turnips, leeks
Heat tolerant crops include:
Okra, Sweet & Hot peppers, Eggplant, Cucumber (specifically Ashley Cucumber), Corn, Tomatoes and Tomaatillos, Summer Squash, Pumpkins, Winter Squash, Melons, Southern Peas (also called crowder peas) and Watermelon
Don't forget to plant flowers to attract pollinators!
Pick the Right Location
Choose a sunny spot for sun-loving crops
Choose a spot with good drainage
Avoid high-traffic areas so your plants can thrive
Mary's Tips
Use Companion Planting with your are planning & planting your garden. This is a great way to deter some pests and attract pollinators to your garden.
Succession planting can lets you harvest a crop over a longer period, which prevents waste and lengthens your harvest time.
Know which plants are "heavy feeders" and keep them well fed for a healthy harvest.
Most important, have fun! Growing food is amazing!
Sign up for our E-Newsletter
2 comments
@Jeannette,
Thank you for your interest in Mary’s Heirloom Seeds. I suggest checking out our comprehensive planting guide linked in the post above. You will find a Central Florida planting guide that also includes varieties that grow well in Florida.
-Mary
I am a newbie in Central Florida. What do you suggest I start to seed now?
Thanks