Why We Need Victory Gardens Again
Spring is here. It seems almost odd that nature hasn’t been stalled along with our regular lives. While we’re working from home, cancelling events, and physically distancing, the flowers are still blooming, bears are waking up and new life is sprouting every day. I came across a Rachel Carson quote recently and put it up on the Climate Hope Project Instagram right away:
“There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”
Promotional poster for victory gardens in Canada
It articulated the sense of calm I’ve been able to find, amongst the global chaos, when walking through my local parks and green spaces. While our lives have been shifted into a constant state of uncertainty, looking outside at the familiar growth of a new season fills me with peace. I believe that harnessing that peace in our own lives through gardening may be one of the best ways to find hope and healing during this pandemic.
It is time to plant victory gardens once again.
B.C. Telephone Victory Garden, 1943. City of Vancouver Archives
Victory gardens are the name for home and community gardens that were planted during World War I and II as a way to reduce food demand and foster patriotism. Citizens were encouraged to grow their own vegetables to save farmed food for soldiers that were fighting overseas. In the 1940s, most non-urban Canadians were already growing food so this call was directed at the “city-folk” of the time to utilize vacant land, parks and lawns for food production. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, in 1944 there were 209,200 victory gardens across the country that were able to produce 57,000 tonnes of vegetables. Although this contribution was not insignificant, the greatest benefit of the movement was not the supply of vegetables, but the morale and connection it provided for a country so impacted by war.
Sprouts in the greenhouse: radishes, mint, tomatoes, peas & more!
We are already seeing a resurgence of this idea in the City of Victoria on Vancouver Island where city councillors passed a motion on April 2nd to temporarily reassign some parks staff to grow food for residents. Beacon Hill Park was utilized for growing potatoes during the Great Depression to distribute to seniors’ homes and orphanages as food supply became a large concern. This practice will be revitalized by growing seedlings in municipal nurseries and greenhouses.
Microgreen shoots about one month after planting. Grown out of an old styrofoam container that would be thrown in the garbage otherwise. Such a great option indoor growing
While I would not compare our current situation to war-times, I do think that we are all in desperate need of some morale-boosting. Studies have shown that gardening is actually proven to lower stress, reduce risk of dementia, build self-esteem, ease depression and prevent heart disease. Mid-April is the perfect time to start sowing some seeds and begin feeling that unique sense of pride that only comes from eating home-grown fruits and veggies.
Arugula transplanted from starters in the greenhouse into the garden bed
I am very lucky to live with my parents who built a greenhouse in our backyard a few years ago. We began planting in March and are already able to transplant and harvest some veggies. Our radishes, kale and arugula have gotten too big for their starter pots and some of our microgreens are ready to sprinkle on salads. There are tons of different plants that are easy to grow in your backyard or even from your windowsill if you don’t have access to a gardening space.
Our system to collect rainwater from the gutters and keep in barrels for watering
I am definitely not alone in this practice as local suppliers like West Coast Seeds and GardenWorks have had to stop accepting online orders until they can fill their current backlog with estimates of up to a 45-day delay in deliveries. Here are some alternatives that will allow you to receive the seeds, soil and other supplies you need safely and securely. Garden centres have now been deemed an essential service in British Columbia so many remain open but I will only be highlighting delivery and contactless pick-up options.
A Vancouver-based gardening co-op that is committed to building food focused ecological landscapes. Their name coincidentally comes from the history of war-time gardening mentioned above. Services include design and building, consultation, education, and maintenance. If you are a beginner gardener, they have a YouTube series with short 5-minute instructional videos on how to grow an organic vegetable garden.
Inventory of garden beds, fertilizer, tools, soil, starter plants, seeds and more
Free Pickup at 1245 Glen Dr, Vancouver (beside Strathcona Park)
Delivery available in Vancouver ($25) and surrounding municipalities ($50)
Transplanted strawberries and kale
Gardening supply store in Port Coquitlam.
Inventory of seeds, plants, flower bulbs, trees, fertilizer, tools, bird & mason bee products and more
Parking lot pick up daily from 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Delivery in Tri-Cities on Tuesday & Friday ($20 with a minimum $75 order)
Gardening supply stores in Vancouver and Surrey
Inventory of outdoor plants, fruit trees, fertilizer, soils, pots, trellises and more
Personal shopping services at both stores (visit store and at a distance tell employee what you would like to purchase for collection before payment)
Delivery and parking lot pick up available by call or e-mail request
Comment below with any delivery/pick-up options for gardening that I’ve missed.