During World War I the Government rationed out essential foods like milk, butter, eggs, coffee, meat and sugar. However it had a much harder time rationing out fresh produce. Something had to be done, so the top minds put their heads together and started a new marketing campaign for Americans, “SOW THE SEEDS OF VICTORY! PLANT AND RAISE YOUR OWN VEGETABLES!” 
They wanted individuals to provide their own fruits and vegetables. Victory Gardens were planted both in public parks and people’s homes throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Nearly 20 million Americans answered the call. They planted gardens in backyards, empty lots, and even city rooftops. Neighbors pooled their resources, planted different kinds of foods and formed cooperatives. Farm families, of course, had been planting gardens and preserving produce for generations but now their urban neighbors got into the act.
When food rationing began due to World War II in 1942, Victory Gardens took off again. It’s estimated that during World War II, around 1/3 of all vegetables produced in the United States of America came from Victory Gardens. It helped feed the general population and troops, as well as increase morale.
Growing Your Own Produce
We might not be in a world war anymore, but victory gardens are still going strong today. With the recent urgency in healthy eating drawn into the spotlight, even First Lady Michelle Obama has planted a home garden. Take a look on the right at the White House’s own Kitchen Garden!
Fewer and fewer Americans own and live on a farm, but growing your own produce is still a viable, fun, economical and responsible way to supplement your trips to the grocery store. Additionally, gardening is an excellent form of exercise. It’s a natural form of yoga and calisthenics that gives you delicious food at the end!
People grow their own food for a variety of reasons: to save money, to avoid herbicides and pesticides, to obtain fresher tasting produce, to get better nutrition or to lessen their carbon footprint.
Treat for Insects Organically
Spinosad is one of the most effective treatments for harmful garden insects. It is a 100% organic derivative of a naturally occurring substance originally discovered on a tropical island near a whiskey factory. At Koopman Lumber, we stock the Bonide Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew, which is very effective at combating many common garden problems.
Spinosad combines the efficacy of synthetic products with the benefits of biological insect pest control products. Because it is active by either ingestion or contact exposure, it is effective against a wide variety of insect pests. For those of us resistant to putting chemicals on our food, this is a fantastic solution that is effective and natural.
Here are some cultural things to consider for your garden that will help reduce the impact of harmful bugs or disease:
1) ROTATE YOUR CROPS
If you had a systemic problem last year, it’s likely dormant in your soil and will come back. Rotating crops helps to manage soil fertility and also to help avoid or reduce problems with soil-borne diseases and some soil-dwelling insects.
2) PRUNE/TRIM TO ALLOW AIRFLOW
More airflow through the plant can prevent future disease issues. It also encourages fuller plants – thus more foliage for photosynthesis, more blooms to attract pollinators, as well as more fruits for you and any creatures you share them with.
3) WATER IN THE MORNING – NEVER AT NIGHT
The early morning, while it is still cool, is the very best time to water plants. This allows the water to run down into the soil and reach the roots of the plant without too much water loss to evaporation. Watering in the early morning makes the water available to the plant throughout the day. The reason that you should never water plants at night is because it doesn’t allow the leaves to dry. Damp leaves encourage fungus problems, such as powdery mildew or sooty mold, which can harm your vegetable plants.
Wrap Up
Victory garden’s are more than just a national heritage. They’re a great and inexpensive way to have fresh fruits growing in your back yard. You don’t need a green thumb either, anyone can dive into one a backyard garden! If you have any other plant or garden related questions, make sure to give us a shout out over at either Koopmanlumber.com, Facebook, or at any one of our convenient locations. Thanks for reading!
