Well, my friends, we have found ourselves in an unprecedented time. Yes, it is a time of fear, worry, and uncertainty considering everything that the world is going through right now. I don’t feel defeated though, do you? That’s because despite it all, this is also a time for coming together (at a distance, of course), a time of slowing down, and a time for moving forward. Since most of us have plenty of time on our hands lately, I would like to talk about one thing that each of us can do to move forward successfully. The recent situation has opened the eyes of many people in how quickly the store shelves can become bare. That is why now is the perfect time to bring back victory gardens. Why not use this extra time to put yourself in a position of not being so reliant on stores to take care of yourself and your family? Growing a garden is also great for your mental health, not to mention our physical health too.
Disclosure: This post not only shares information about victory gardens, but also has Affiliate Links that I earn commissions from. This is how I make a living and keep this little blog running. Thank you for supporting me!
What is a Victory Garden?
A victory garden is a garden of your very own, where you grow as much food as you can to reduce the demand on the public food system. As we have all seen in recent times, that in times of crisis or wars, that demand for food is massive. This can leave many people in a precarious situation if they are unable to get to the grocery store before others have already cleared the shelves.
Victory gardens were very popular during World War I and World War II. They have been making a comeback in recent years, thanks to people’s desire to get back to a more whole food type diet. I have no doubt that they will once again grow in popularity this year.
What You Need To Start a Victory Garden
Before you head out and start digging in your yard, let’s talk about what you need for a successful Victory Garden.
Garden Space
I’m here to tell you that you can grow a garden on your apartment patio or convert a section of your backyard. Where there is a will, they is a way, my friends. I started gardening in small containers and the largest I’ve ever gardened in was a fourth of an acre. I personally prefer about a 10×20 space. I have that size in my community garden plot in the middle of the city and it is perfect.
The year I tried Square Foot Gardening in my Community Garden. I moved plots the following year as this one was in too much shade.
I live in a rented house and am not able to create the garden of my dreams just yet. For me, I plant in containers, raised beds, a kiddie pool {I kid you not!}, and my community garden. I grow way more food than I can eat, that’s for sure. The excess I give away to friends, can it for the winter, or donate it to the local food bank.
This Seed Square is perfect for those just starting out or those wanting to try Square Foot Gardening. It takes the guess work out of spacing and sets you up for success.
This is a raised bed in a typical neighborhood’s backyard that is 8×4 feet – look at how much you can grow in a small space! By using the Seed Saver, you are able to maximize the amount of vegetables you can grow.
This is a Lettuce Garden in a 3×2 square container. Don’t have a wood one? Use one of those plastic bins I know you have. Put a couple drainage holes in the bottom and call it a day.
I wanted to share these so you can see that don’t need a large yard to create a Victory Garden. You could also consider a vertical garden, which are fabulous. This post talks about different urban gardening options.
Seeds or Transplants for Victory Gardens
If you are brand-spanking new to gardening, it is ok to start out with transplants that you buy from a store or nursery. The thing is, we don’t know if this is going to be a viable option this year yet. Most cities have Shelter-in-Place orders, so going to the store for plants could be out of the question where you live.
Here is a list of places that typically will have live plants in case the nursery is closed.
- Costco
- Grocery Stores
- Hardware Stores
- Animal & Feed Stores
- Target or Walmart
There are a few online stores still selling starts, but not many. Also note, very few seed companies haves stock right now as experienced gardeners cleaned them out once they heard rumors about this pandemic.
Here are physical places you can find vegetable and herb seeds:
- Grocery Stores – ask where they have them as they could be tucked away
- Hardware Stores
- Animal & Feed Stores
- Target or Walmart
Online resources for seeds:
- Baker Creek Heirloom Rare Seeds
- MI Gardener
- Territorial Seeds
- Botanical Interests
- Seeds of Change
- Burpee Organic Seeds
- Subscription boxes
If you plan to start your garden from seeds, here are some tips for you.
Note: Most seed companies send their displays in January and February for summer planting {even here in Alaska}. If they shipped on time, it’s likely that most stores have them in stock.
Side Note: When I was using InstaCart this week for Fred Meyer, I searched for Seeds and they do have them available!
Typical Plants in Victory Gardens
The initial purpose of the Victory Garden was to provide nutrient-rich food. Secondly, the plants needed to grow kinda fast. The absolute fastest from getting the seed in the soil to harvest are radishes and lettuce and spinach. I grew an insane amount of radishes last year and pickled them. I then started roasting them with olive oil and salt and pepper – game changer. So good!
These are the vegetables most grown in the Victory Gardens
- Beans
- Beats
- Carrots
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Lettuce
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Radishes
- Tomatoes
- Turnips
- Squash
- Spinach
- Swiss Chard
How to Decide What to Plant in YOUR Victory Garden
When you are deciding on the plants that you are going to focus on, make your decision based on these things:
- What vegetables, fruits, and herbs do you eat regularly? It makes no sense to put your time and effort into growing something that you aren’t going to eat. Now I will say, you might not like a certain store bought vegetable, but jut remember homegrown veggies taste better and have a higher nutritional value.
- Are you a beginner? Gardening is great, but it does have a learning curve. If you are a newbie gardener, it’s best to focus on plants that you will eat, but that are also easier to grow like radishes, lettuces, beans, and peas.
- What grows in your zone? If the plant won’t easily grow in your zone, don’t take the time to focus on it. For the most success, put your time and effort into plants that can thrive where you are. Find your zone here.
If you have the space, think about putting in a small orchard. Think fruit trees like apples, pears, oranges, or grapefruit. Fruit bushes like raspberries, rhubarb, or blueberries. Don’t forget about strawberries as they are easy-to-grow and kiddos love to grow {and eat} them!
Where Should You Plant Your Victory Garden
Honestly, any place that is at least one square foot. You heard me, when planting in emergency situations, wherever there is soil, a plant can grow. Yep, in either sun or shade.
For the most part though, find the sunniest place available to plant. Most gardens tend to be in the backyard, but if you have space in the front yard, go for it. Also, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box.
Here are some unconventional places that people have been known to plant their garden:
- In existing flower beds
- Around shrubs and trees
- Rooftops
- Window Boxes
- Front yard
- Porch or patio
- Community gardening space
- Property owned by friends or family (you can offer them a cut of the harvest for the use of their space)
- Kiddie Pools and other containers
A garden can be created however you are able to. It is not a one size fits all kind of thing. It doesn’t even have to be all in one place either. You can spread it out!
Find Your Gardening Zone
If you are not familiar with your zone, make sure to check out the USDA Hardiness Zone website for an idea of what will grow in different areas of the country. Zones are listed on the backs of seed packets, which are a good guideline.
Where to Get Tools for Victory Gardens
There are many places to get supplies for your victory garden. You can buy basically all you need at your local home and garden store, big box store, nursery, or gardening center. But what happens when they are closed?
Ask your neighbors on apps like Nextdoor. Right now, it’s not uncommon to put a sign out saying what you are looking for. Many extension offices and gardening clubs have tools available for use as well.
Basic Tools Needed for Victory Gardens
The tools you will need for your victory garden are a trowel, a hoe, gardening gloves, and a watering can or hose. Of course, there are other great tools out there to use, but these are the basics and truly all you need.
In case you need a little laugh right now. 🙂
Where to Learn More about Gardening
There are so many resources available to us to learn all we can about gardening. Local universities and county governments often offer free gardening classes, you can grab some gardening books from your local library, Amazon has thousands of books (and ebooks) available to purchase, YouTube has countless educational gardening videos and, of course, you can always visit me here to read my gardening tips.
My Favorite Gardening Books
The Community Gardening Handbook – this was the book I read before I started growing in the C Street Garden in Anchorage, Alaska. It gives great tips if you want to start a community garden in your area.
Square Foot Gardening – This book is perfect for when you want high yield out of small spaces including containers and raised beds.
My Favorite Gardening YouTube Channels
Roots and Refuge Farm
I think this is by far my favorite YouTube Gardening Channel. They have a homestead in Arkansas, so more for a warmer climate. What I love is that she helps new beginners to start out, plus gives us experienced gardeners new ideas on how to do things. I kinda want to spend a day at their farm drinking coffee and tasting her tomatoes. So many!
Guildbrook Farm – Simple Sustainable Living
My favorite homesteaders and preppers in the Appalachian Mountains. You should check out the Victory Garden they put in this week! It’s massive and I’m a wee bit jealous. I started watching them when I wanted to have a 3-week prep pantry. I have a ton of allergies, so I usually have a stacked pantry. When what I can eat is on sale, I buy 3 of it. It was a pleasant to find preppers who align with my ideas on things and so I watch the channel quite a bit.
Garden Answer
Now first off, she is a professional gardener and her parents own a garden center. Her projects are spectacular! She is living her best life and I kinda wished it were mine! Ha!
Simple Living Alaska
I went on a hunt for Alaska Gardens and found Simple Living Alaska. They live in Southcentral Alaska, like I do, but they live off grid and are building a homestead. I watched their gardening efforts last summer and wow – pretty dang impressive.
I personally have a degree in horticulture and am a Master Gardener. I specialize in gardening in small spaces particularly veggies and herbs. Have a question? Ask in the comments and I will do my best to answer them. I also have written a few articles on this site that could be helpful to you. Hope you check them out.
Happy gardening and can’t wait to see what you grow in your Victory Garden. You can do it!
Want to color in a Garden Pail, here is a free coloring sheet for my gardening friends.
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