(9/17) Victory Gardens, also called War Gardens or Gardens for Defense, were first introduced during World War I (1914-1918). There was a severe shortage of food in Europe because the agricultural workers were fighting in the war and much of the farmlands were now battlefields. Feeding millions of starving people became the responsibility of the United States. In March of 1917, just weeks before the United States entered the war, Charles Lanthrop Pack organized the National War Garden Commission to encourage Americans to contribute to the war effort by planting, fertilizing, harvesting, and storing their own fruits and vegetables so that more food could be exported to our allies.

Posters advocated "Sow the Seeds of Victory" by planting their own vegetables. Citizens were urged to utilize all idle land, including school grounds, parks, and vacant lots. A war gardening manual titled "War Vegetable Gardening and the Home Storage of Vegetables" was published in 1918 by the National War Garden Commission. An original is at the Library of Congress and is interesting reading because of the variety of topics about vegetable gardening that is contained in the manual.

Planting victory gardens relieved the burden on commercial food growers so they were able to supply more food oversees for the soldiers. Some of the most popular produce grown were beans, beets, cabbage, carrots, kale, lettuce, peas, tomatoes, turnips, squash, and Swiss chard. Americans were educated about the importance of raising vegetables because of their sources of minerals and vitamins.

In 1917, 3 million new garden plots were planted and increased to more than 5.2 million garden plots in 1918. By the end of WWI, victory gardens were no longer promoted, but many Americans continued to maintain them.

Twenty-one years later, World War II commenced (1939-1945). According to the Extension Service War Food Administration, the Victory Garden program in the United States began again in May 1941 with the appointment of an inter-bureau garden committee conducted by the Secretary of Agriculture, Claude R. Wickard. Feeding millions of starving people once again became the responsibility of the United States citizens. A National Victory Garden Program was launched immediately to encourage more farm vegetable gardens, farm fruit gardens, community plots, and school gardens.

Food rationing occurred in the United States in 1942. The government determined how much food a family would receive and distributed books of coupons for Americans to receive food. Some items that were rationed were meats, canned milk, cheese, sugar, coffee, and cooking oil. The scarcity of food created a tremendous incentive for Americans to grow their own fruits and vegetables once again. 15 million families planted Victory Gardens during this era.

Numerous organizations participated in this campaign. Instruction pamphlets published by the government were distributed with directions about growing crops and dealing with diseases and insects. Special emphasis was placed on effectively harvesting, handling, storing, preserving, and utilizing garden produce that would be available all year. Hundreds of newspapers and radio stations spread the message about Victory Garden campaigns. Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, promoted Victory Gardens and planted one on the White House lawn, to the chagrin of the Secret Service staff.

People took great pride in growing food for their families, friends, and acquaintances, thus boosting morale and strong patriotic emotions. Citizens had a healthy lifestyle as a result of spending much time outdoors and getting exercise. It also improved their mental health when they contributed to growing their own food and sharing with others. This comradery, compassion, patriotism and healthy lifestyle generates envy of this bygone era.

In June 2024 at the Ag Explorers Camp for youth, I assisted the young campers as they planted two Victory Garden raised beds consisting of green beans, bell peppers, jalape–o peppers, onions, and tomatoes. They learned about the history of Victory Gardens, the requirements for growing vegetables, food shortages, and helping others in need. The harvested produce is now being taken to SCCAP (South Central Community Action Program) in Gettysburg to help those less fortunate. I encourage everyone to grow their own gardens next year and also grow additional vegetables and fruits as you enjoy the results of showing compassion to others by sharing your harvest with friends, family, and those in need. The Penn State Extension of Adams County has a wealth of information about growing fruits and vegetables and how to preserve them for the winter. There are also ample workshops and programs available to educate the public. Sow the seeds of victory and kindness and reap the harvest of compassion and a healthy lifestyle!

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