Revive the Victory Garden!

What is a Victory Garden?

During World War I and World War II, the United States government asked its citizens to plant gardens in order to support the war effort. Millions of people planted gardens. Emphasis was placed on making gardening a family or community effort - not a drudgery, but a pastime, and a national duty.

Why plant a victory garden today?

To ensure the freshest and highest nutrient content in fruits and vegetables. To have more control over what we are eating, and to provide consistency for those looking for a whole food nutritional diet.

Today our food travels an average of 1500 miles from farm to table. The process of planting, fertilizing, processing, packaging, and transporting our food uses a great deal of energy and contributes to the cause of global warming.

Planting a Victory Garden to fight global warming would reduce the amount of pollution your food contributes to global warming. Instead of traveling many miles from farm to table, your food would travel from your own garden to your table.

Victory Garden details:

I will organize this garden in Emsworth, PA, as a community effort. There will be several involved from the neighborhood, and I would like to open it up to the members of this group. Unfortunately, I do not have the resources to organize such a garden in other areas. If anyone is interested in organizing it, I will GLADLY offer my assistance, and support.

How does it work?

Everyone is encouraged to plant their favorite vegetable, and then making it available for others to share from. If you participate, you will also have the availability to choose vegetables from others that are participating in the Victory Garden. So if you plant spinach, you will also have the availability to choose from over 20 vegetables and 13 herbs for your picking. Only those who participate in the garden can pick from the garden.

Will it be organic?

The ground is organic, because it is an area that has never been touched by humans :).
There will be no pesticides or fertilizers used in the maintenance of the garden, and I ask those who participate n to refrain from this practice.
I cannot guarantee that the seeds or plants started out with are organic.

How will I have access to the garden?

The garden is located in an area that has public access, so you will have the availability to pick almost 24/7. This area is not in public view, so the only ones that will know of this garden, are the ones who participate. The most of the area will be located directly behind my property, so I can water and offer some maintenance to the garden. Every person will be responsible for their own weeding :). Because I work from home, I will also be able to verify that all that pick from the garden is a participant. The garden will be fenced in to keep the bunnies out, but I cannot guarantee they will stay out. You are welcome to use animal friendly ways to chase them from the garden. My cat will be our best defender!

I have planted some vegetables on my property. Anyone will be welcome to pick from this garden. I just ask that you give me a heads up when you intend to pick from this specific garden.

What kind of vegetables can I expect?
Spinach, spring mix lettuce, cherry tomatoes, tomatoes, roma tomatoes, red and yellow onions, kale, chives, basil, Thai basil, thyme, marjoram, lavender, oregano, cilantro, dark basil, parsley, Italian parsley, golden sage, common sage, cucumber, casabella pepper, cubanelle pepper, sweet banana pepper, okra, peas, broccoli, red cabbage, watermelon, yellow and red sweet corn, carrots, and many more!

Will there be any more fruits?
Unless someone plants them, probably not. I have some fruit trees planted from previous years, and they are just getting to the point that they may produce fruit. So there may be: Apple, pear, cheery, nectarine, and blueberry.
I can make blackberry available upon request, from a neighbor up the street.

Isn't kind of late to get started?
I apologize for starting at this date, but I am having surgery, and I am busy before my surgery. It won't be too late, but you can start spouting if you like to get a head start, or use plants versus seeds.

*BONUS* We will have a special children area! We want to encourage our children to learn how to grow their own veggies! So please bring your kids and seeds!

What do I need to bring?

• Your plants or seeds with a sign with your name
  
• Your tools
  
• Your experience and time to help us get the ground ready
  
• Your donation consideration of $5 for the roto-tiller rental and for watering maintenance.
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I look forward to meeting those who participate, and making myself to help others within my community!

I encourage everyone to forward his or her gardening tips! Please use the board to post your tips!

Susan Miller