Ever wonder how to start a victory garden? The world is a bit messy right now. Between pandemic shut downs, food shortages, broken supply chains, protests, riots, and war, a victory garden isn’t such a bad idea.
Having a garden that can provide your family food is becoming more and more of a must have. It’s time we switch manicured lawns for beautiful gardens that will help sustain our families during hard times.
What Is A Victory Garden?
A victory garden, also known as a war garden, were gardens people planted in their yards, schools, and parks during World War 1 and World War 2. It was to supplement families and communities since there were shortages and rationing.
It actually became a patriotic act to help communities recover from the effects of war. In fact, by the early 1940s over twenty million victory gardens were planted and the U.S alone and there are reports that these gardens produced over 9 million tons of vegetables.
Why Should We Have Victory Gardens?
We may, or may not be in a time of war. (Rumors of war, anyone? Matthew 24:6) But that shouldn’t matter to have a victory garden. If you look at the world economy and our economy, it is struggling heavily. And with shortages and civil disruption happening, having a little extra never hurts.
Grocery stores are not able to keep up. You may have noticed less than fresh produce, poor cuts of meat, and empty shelves at the stores as of late. Ensure you and your family have enough with a war garden!
And don’t worry, you don’t have to have acres and acres of land.
How Much Land Do You Need For A Victory Garden?
While having acreage is nice and can make large gardens and keeping animals easier (sorta) it isn’t necessary. You can start a garden with even a little space.
Do you have a backyard? Patio? Concrete lot? Balcony? You can convert any space into a victory garden.
Yes, even if you live in an apartment, you too can have a small garden.
How To Plan A Victory Garden?
The first thing I suggest is that you take a look at what you have and your budget. Do you have a lot of land? A little bit of space? Can you use both your back and front yard? Plan out a space you want to use.
Now consider what you have. Do you need to create raised beds? Need a compost bin? Need good soil? Seeds? Tools? Hose? Etc.
Once you kind of budget out space and figure out how much you want to spend, let’s move on to the fun stuff.
Determine Your Growing Zone For Your Victory Garden
Did you know not all fruits and vegetables grow in your area. Plants tend to be kind of finicky and if you try to grow certain ones that don’t like your climate in your area you may end up disappointed.
Not to mention, some plants are actually toxic in certain climates. Mainly herbs and wild plants, but it is good to know what grows well in your climate.
This website will show you your plant hardiness zone.
Buying Seeds For Your Victory Garden
Seeds! Now, there are so many arguments about what you can and can’t grow and what you can plant and still get more seeds.
I have a firm belief in heirloom seeds. These seeds in particular will ensure you can get seeds that you can save to plant again next year and these are seeds that come from plants that haven’t been changed.
In a way, you’re kind of bringing the past back to life. I’ll have to do an article on seeds to help explain a little more.
But, you want to also consider the season. There are seeds you can plant in late winter and spring that you will harvest in the summer and fall, and there are plants you have to plant in the fall to ensure you get a winter harvest.
Tools You Will Need To Start Your Victory Garden
Seeds are not the only thing you’ll need. You’ll need an array of tools. I know it seems intimidating, but you don’t have to have the most expensive.
- Trowel
- Pruning Shears
- Hose and/or Watering Can
- Rake
- Hoe
- Shovel
- Gloves
- Wheelbarrow
- Tiller
- Gardening Fork
These are great for small to medium gardens. For large gardens or farms, you’re probably gonna need a lot bigger tools.
What Plants Should You Grow In Your Victory Garden?
When you start your garden you may be tempted to grow everything, but you need to think about what your family eats and nutrition.
This includes protein, carbs, and all that jazz. You also want something that wields a lot and that isn’t super finicky.
Don’t forget about seasoning and health! Herbs can be used to flavor your meals, because no one wants bland food, and for herbal remedies, and teas.
Vegetables, fruits, and herbs, you should consider growing in your war garden are:
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Beans
- Beats
- Blackberries
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cantaloupe
- Celery
- Chamomile
- Cilantro
- Collards
- Cucumber
- Dandelion
- Eggplant
- Garlic
- Kohlrabi
- Leeks
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Peas
- Peppers
- Potatoes
- Radishes
- Tomatoes
- Turnips
- Squash
- Swiss Chard
- Watermelons
- Wild Garlic
How To Build A Victory Garden Of Any Size?
Need to know how to build a victory garden of any size? Don’t worry if you don’t have a ton of space. There are people in the cities creating amazing gardens in small places like their balconies and patios.
I’ll do a post about creating a war garden in small places. But get creative! I’ve seen people using laundry baskets, and shoe organizers, pots, pans, swimming pools, pallets. People have plants growing on pallets on the walls and plants hanging.
One of my neighbors in the apartments we live in, actually several, have amazing gardens. Their balconies are full of plants, plants hang from the balconies, and they have plants lined up against the walls and under the stairs.
A Victory Garden Is One Step Closer To Self-Sufficiency
It’s doable and due to the crazy stuff in the world it is time that we all start creating victory gardens for our families. Self-sufficiency is an absolute must.
It’s time to stop being in denial about the state of things. I’m not saying panic and fear, because God did not gives us a spirit of fearfulness (2 Timothy 1:7). Rather, we trust in God, pray, and prepare.
For a while God has placed it on my heart to start focusing on learning and gathering, and I wanted to share this with you all.
You don’t have to build a bunker and hoard everything. But you should plan to take care of your family. And the best part is, in can be a family endeavor!
Do you have a garden? What gardening tips do you have for people just starting out?