Have you started your vegetable victory garden yet? I haven’t. Every year I swear I’m going to start the seedlings indoors during January, thereby ensuring a good crop and variety of vegetables. It’s almost the end of March and all I have are a packet of radishes and bell peppers…still in the pack.
I hope these work. I got them from the Dollar Store.
If you’ve ever done any gardening by seed, I’m sure you’ve looked at the back of the package for planting instructions. All seed packs come with a little colored map of the United States with outdoor planting dates for different zones. Montana is in the yellow – Zone 4, which means you may start planting May – June.
What zone are you in?
That’s all fine and dandy, except for the fact that it may be too late. But any sooner than that and it may be too early. So, what’s a girl to do? Ask the experienced folks at Hooper’s.
“Don’t plant while there is still snow on the mountains, they say.”
Good rule of thumb but it’s not a sure thing. After hoeing, sowing, and fertilizing your little heart out, you may still end up with only a handful of tomatoes and bell peppers the size of a half dollar.
One day we will get that greenhouse that David has been wanting. His green thumb has been calling him for years. When he seriously gets back into gardening, I’m sure his greenhouse will bring success to our garden efforts.
I am pleased as punch to see the strawberries that have over-wintered…the patch keeps spreading and spreading every year. The parsley and basil are a sight for sore eyes too. And the mint that I dug up and re-potted last fall has been adding flavor to freshly brewed tea.
Fresh picked right off of the tree
The history of Victory Gardens.
I want to share some information about the history of Victory Gardens. During World War I and World War II, people were encouraged to plant home gardens as part of the war effort, which is why they were called Victory Gardens.
This initiative aimed to reduce the demand on the food supply and boost morale, as growing a garden was seen as a meaningful contribution to the war effort. Additionally, gardening was promoted as a rewarding experience, allowing individuals to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables.
I agree that fruit and vegetable gardening can be very satisfying. If you haven’t tried vegetable gardening before, now is a great time to start. First, check with your local extension service to find out which crops grow best in your area.
6 reasons to start a Victory Garden.
No 1. Homegrown produce tastes better. Fruits and vegetables grown in your backyard are typically more robust and flavorful than those from the grocery store.
No 2. Economic benefits. With prices constantly rising, growing a crop of tomatoes, beans, or carrots can save you money. You can also can your harvest to preserve it. While it may require some effort, I’ve gone about 18 months without buying applesauce thanks to my apple trees and the preserves I’ve made.
No. 3. Self-sufficiency. Growing your own food fosters a sense of independence from large food suppliers. Many people are getting tired of relying on produce from Mexico.
No 4. Control over cultivation. You can choose to grow your food with pesticides or organically. You are in charge of what goes on your family’s table.
No. 5. Therapeutic gardening. Digging in the garden can be great therapy for both the mind and body. I often find that turning over the soil calms my nerves and lifts my spirits.
No.6. Involve the kids. Getting children involved in gardening builds character. Have them pick out their favorite vegetables and help with planting. They will learn how to start a project, watch it grow, and experience a sense of accomplishment when it’s time to harvest.
I hope this has inspired you to start your Victory Garden today!
Happy Planting! ~Marlene
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