Call to Action: Start a Victory Garden

Seeing the grocery stores last week with the bare shelves and other customers rushing to gather what they could definitely shook me, as I know it has for many others. Many friends and family members have expressed the desire to begin gardening, raising chickens, and becoming more involved in their food security.

(Check out my post on great resources for information!)

During times of distress keeping yourself active and focusing on a purpose will help you push on through this hard time.

What’s my solution during the quarantine?

Bring back Victory Gardens!

During the first and second world wars, Victory Gardens swept the nation (and the world). Providing citizens with a sense of purpose and helping to feed the population. Gardens overtook yards, parks, windowsills. Backyard chickens were encouraged.

Posters calling for action with slogans like, “Sow the seeds of Victory! Plant and raise your own vegetables” and “Uncle Sam Expects You to Keep Hens and Raise Chickens” not only encouraged self-sustainability but brought people together for a common goal.

What would America would look like today, if we took up that same call? Currently, the American lawn takes up 40 million acres of land, with manicured lawns being the nation’s #1 most irrigated crop.

Imagine instead of spending hours each week mowing lawn, you spend a few minutes a day harvesting that night’s supper from the back porch. Your green shrubs lining the front porch replaced with blueberry bushes, and flowering trees that will reward you with their beauty in spring and again in the fall with crisp, sweet apples.

What if I don’t own any land?

Just plant. Whether it’s in your windowsill, in a hanging basket, or on a back porch. Talk with your landlord about your idea to grow food (maybe offer to share your harvest!) and seek permission to plant.

What can I plant to get food fast?

While I’m not recommending extra ventures out to the stores, if you happen to already be heading there then look for some seeds to start. Otherwise, you can order online from some of the companies I have listed here. Some plants that you generally can begin harvesting around 90 days (if started from seeds) include:

• Radish 22-30 days
• Salad greens 25-40 days
• Spinach 37-40 days
• Kale 50-55 days
• Snow peas 65 days
• Collard greens 60-85 days
• Pak Choy 60 days
• Bush beans (pole beans produce a little later, but you will generally get a higher quantity from pole beans over the growing season.)
• Cucumbers 55 days
• Beets 60 days
• Okra 60 days
• Green onions 30 days
• Turnips 35-40 days for greens, 60-65 days for roots

If you’re able to find established plants to purchase, your harvest times will be much sooner! Harvest dates also vary by variety, so make sure to read the labels for harvest dates, when to start your seeds, and information on the growing zone of your home.

Gardening on a budget

You really don’t need much to start growing your own food. Dollar Tree (where everything literally is, a dollar) has gardening supplies on their website you can order or pick up. We ordered a case of these stackable planters this year to utilize vertical space and grow some extra salad greens near the house.

Another option are their plastic pots paired with the plant hangers. Simply drill 3 small holes in the top, fill with soil, and plant! You can hang these in your kitchen window and plant herbs or dwarf tomatoes.

Recycle your old food containers. I’ve found the salad green tubs make great mini green houses for starting seeds! Once they sprout, you can remove the lids and continue to allow them to grow! (These would make awesome trays for micro-greens, if you’ve got super limited space!)

Backyard Chickens

Chickens are a great addition, as they will eat your kitchen scraps, keep down the bug population in your yard, provide you with fresh eggs, and even stew.

Chickens are fairly easy to care for. Each bird needs 2-3 square foot of indoor coop space and 8-10 square foot for an outside run. Fresh water, quality food, room to roost, and clean bedding will usually give you some pretty happy laying hens.

Different breeds can lay more frequently than others, while dual purpose chickens offer egg production and have a full body for meat harvesting once their egg production drops down. The general age for a chicken to start laying is anywhere from 6-8 months. Depending on your breed, you could expect anywhere from 20-28 eggs from 4 healthy hens in the summer.

Make sure to check with your city ordinances on whether they allow chickens. You may be surprised that you’re allowed to keep a small amount in your back yard! (Not encouraging black market chickenry, but silkie hens are notoriously quiet and do not have any ability to fly…)

Support local business

Contact your local, family owned nurseries or green houses to see if they’re offering curbside pick up, or delivery for plant orders! Consider calling local farmers and order their fresh meats, cheeses, produce by phone instead of shopping at large grocery stores.