Grow Your Own Victory Garden

WWII poster 
promoting gardening 
(National Agricultural Library)

What is a Victory Garden?

A Victory Garden is a term that came to be known in the early part of the 20th century. They were fruit and vegetable gardens planted at private residences and public parks to feed families and to contribute to the public food supply during WWI and WWII. Victory gardens become a part of daily life for many Americans. 

Yes, Spring IS Coming

You may not know it by the temperatures and the piles of snow around the city, but spring is just around the corner! That means it is time to get out there and work your green thumb. Whether this means planting some climbing peas along a fence, putting in a fruit tree, or organizing a whole garden, there is little more satisfying than eating the fruit of your labor (not to mention the many health and well being benefits to gardening) so we have put together a few resources for you.

Where to Plant?

Many people around the country are starting to replace lawns with garden beds. One of the best ways to do this is to lay cardboard and/or newspaper down over your turf and cover it in mulch. Then, simply water it and wait. Soon you will have a garden bed ready for planting where once there was only grass. See this article for more details.

If you don’t have a yard of your own, the Capital District Community Gardens has sites all over the region which are all set up. Plots are given out on a first come-first serve basis, so if you are interested, call them at 518-274-8685 to sign up for an orientation during March (click here for more details). 

Planning Your Garden: 

This article and chart from the Hudson Valley Seed Library gives a great overview of when seeds can be planted in this area. We are just starting to get into the season when we can start planting, so now is the time to plan and order seeds.