Victory Gardens
Written By: Peter
This is the fifth week I have written a newsletter during the current crisis. Recent declarations have made this wartime situation. The government, the economy, businesses and civilians are operating as if we are at war against this viral combatant. Looking at this way, the COVID times are a rhetorical WWIII of sorts, where the virus is an enemy to the world at large. During both World Wars I and II, governments of the nations involved encouraged civilians like us to take up arms, with their hoes and rakes, to cultivate gardens and contribute to the strained food system from home. They became known as "Victory Gardens". It was an effort endorsed by the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, and even our vaunted foes, Germany.
A London Victory Garden growing in a WWII Bomb Crater in
The American food supply system during those Wars was strained by the export demands to feed the war effort. The strategic purpose of a Victory Garden was to alleviate pressure of rationing, and supplement the public food supply in America. The subtextual purpose was to boost people's morale.
Many people are now five weeks out from work, and besides the economic toll, days can begin to blur as we all search for meaning in our new context. The beauty of gardening is that the work is physically, spiritually and emotionally rewarding. It is collaboration amongst people and nature that provides purpose, knowledge, perspective and sustenance.
It is also an opportunity for fostering resilience. Growing food helps reclaim independence for your own health, and keep a full table in times of economic scarcity and abundance.
Right now is certainly one of scarcity. You might notice that the frozen fruit and vegetable sections in grocery stores are continually empty. Food suppliers are having a hard time keeping up with the new household demand for healthy food, and are either running behind or out of inventory. Victory gardens put the power of produce back in your hands. Your home provenance of fruits and vegetables suppliers help suppliers recover and grocers find balance. Thinking small here can have a big chain reaction.
Last week, I wrote about "sheet mulching," a no-till method for creating vegetable gardens at home. There is a starting point for you to begin your food journey at home. If you get started this weekend, your beds should be ready for planting by May 15. This is the date we consider "safe" from frost around here for planting tomatoes; so, just in time!
Right now our foe attacks from feeding on our wellbeing, but we won't let it spread, because we will be busy gardening at home! We can sustain the world with our healthy stomach.
“The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.”
– Manasobu Fukuoka