During WWII, the United States Government rationed many foods that American's used on a daily basis. Transportation and labor shortages made it hard to harvest and transport vegetables to markets. Food scarcity was something most American's were genuinely concerned about during WWII. This is why the US Government encouraged private citizens to plant what they called, Victory Gardens. These gardens not only allowed the American people to have fresh fruits and veggies, but they also provided a place of solitude and sanctuary in times that were often scary and uncertain.
Although the circumstances are different, just like WWII, many people are relying on their garden's bounty during COVID to feed their family and stock their pantry. In late March of 2020, interest in gardening hit and all-time high. Google Trends showed a 4,650% increase in searches for "Growing vegetables from scraps". Searches for beginning a garden, sowing seeds, or how to plant vegetables were at an all time high. With us being in the growing business, we definitely noticed.
COVID has definitely placed an emphasis on the value of knowing how to grow your own food in times of crisis. This was also encouraged during WWII, people wanted to be as self-sufficient as possible. In war time nearly 20 million Americans were growing their own Victory Gardens producing over 40% of the nation's fruits and vegetables.
Studies have shown that planting a garden boosts morale, relieves stress, and soothes anxiety which surges in times like these. "When we interact with green, outdoor environments we tend to breathe more deeply and at a more regulated pace," Monique Allen, author of 'Stop Landscaping, Start Lifescaping', tells us. Gardening "oxygenates the blood and releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers."
We know that many people in our community have been hit hard by the pandemic and hope that we can help in these uncertain times. We will be opening in April 2021 and are working on some great resources for those who are new to gardening or are wanting to gain some more knowledge. We know that learning something new can be hard and we are always here to help in any way we can by answering questions or providing information! Let us help you make your own COVID Victory Garden!
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