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"Victory Gardens" were grown during World War I and World War II as a way of relieving food rationing and shortages. Citizens were encouraged by their governments to grow food in the cities and suburbs. Today, we can grow our own small Victory Gardens as a way to enjoy fresh produce. Children and adults alike can enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes from food that they have grown themselves. Nothing tastes better!

Fruit trees and shrubs
When most people think of a Victory Garden, they forget about fruit. But fruit trees and shrubs can be some of the easiest food to grow. Make sure that you grow fruit that is prolific and easy to grow in your area! Trying to grow bananas in Canada or apples in Florida is too much trouble and may be futile. Contact your local Master Gardeners or Gardening Club and ask for their recommendations for your Victory Garden. Follow their suggestions for varietiesdifferent types do well in different area. Don't forget about shrubs. Berries and other fruit shrubs grow well in many areas.

Preparing the Garden
The key to growing vegetables and herbs in your Victory Garden is to have good soil. Decide where you are putting your victory garden: ensure that the garden will have at least six hours of sunlight a day and will be close enough to the house top be convenient. Then make raised beds. Use boards stood on end or anything that will be strong enough to hold the soil in. Raised beds do not have to be high, but the provide better drainage and make it easier to amend the soil. If you do not have a yard, you can plant in containers. If you are placing pots on a balcony, check the load restrictions. The larger the container the better, as large containers do not need to be watered as frequently and provide more space for roots to grow. You can even compost on a patio or balcony. Research composting as a way of making your own soil additives. Herbs grow well on a patio or even inside. Some vegetables can be grown indoors in a sunny window. If you intend on planting a Victory Garden without a garden, pay close attention to the varieties you choose, and choose varieties that do well in containers or inside. A note about pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides: Remember that you intend to EAT the stuff from your garden, so don't use poison on the plants! Find safe, organic products to ward off bugs, or, better yet, plant pet-resistant varieties!

Choosing Vegetables and Herbs
Picking out which vegetables and herbs to grow in your Victory Garden can be exciting, but do not pick too many. Make sure of three things when you pick a vegetable: 1) that it will grow well in your area, 2) that it is easy to grow, and 3) that your family will eat it. Your local garden club or Master Gardener program can tell you which vegetables grow best in your area. The first year, it is better to plant too little than too much in your Victory Garden. Only plant half as much as you want. Only lay out half the garden. You can do the rest next year when you a better idea of how long it will take to keep the garden weeded and watered. Plant short rows of many different types of vegetables. Use the first year to try many types and decide what you like best and which grows best for you. Careful planning and trial and error will ensure that you enjoy fresh produce your Victory Garden year after year.

Learn more about this author, Vicky Harper.
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