The New Victory Garden
Attaining
homeland security while sewing the seeds of peace.
source: by Bruce Conway / www.lightwatcher.com
One of the most successful civilian
programs in WWI and WWII was the widespread cultivation of home
victory gardens. The Federal Government did not support this program
at first, due to the belief that it would be a poor allocation
of resources and essential labor for a tiny yield of output.
But as many of America's farmers went overseas to fight, domestic food production dwindled. This caused shortages and strict rationing of foodstuffs. Victory gardens quickly became an essential part of the civilian war effort. These small gardens supplied low cost and nutritious produce, and helped build morale during the hard times. By growing victory gardens, our grandparents resolved their food shortages through practicality and common sense.
Today, we Americans are confronted with similar dilemmas which could imperil our very survival: an economy in deep recession, a devalued U.S. dollar, war in the Mideast, totalitarian repression at home, contaminates in the food chain, and the criminal stupidity of government policy makers. Add to this the decline of small and family farms, the explosive growth of global factory farming, genetically modified seeds and foods, declines in food production due to drough and global warming, water pollution, and an ever increasing reliance upon imported food. By considering these factors, we begin to see the approaching spector of global famine on the horizon.
To further complicate our situation, food is often used as a weapon by tyrants seeking to control their populations. If the serfs misbehave, necessities are witheld. Under the rule of the Bush gang America's social safety nets such as the Federal Food Stamp Program are being shredded. Without these programs, those who have lost their jobs, no longer have any place to turn for help. To further complicate this situation, Bush is presently paving the way for a massive influx of Mexican "guest workers" to replace the soon-to-be-extinct middle class.
We the sheeple are being herded into total dependency, and our place in the food chain is being revoked. Because of this, it is essential for our survival, health and freedom that we regain this power. One of the ways this can be accomplished is by cultivating home vegetable gardens. As our leaders attempt to herd us into scarcity, chaos and war, we can subvert their plans and empower ourselves by creating many peace gardens.
Today, the creation of home gardens has become an important aspect of personal sustainability. In a few short years it will be an absolute necessity. Because of this we must relearn these traditional skills, and begin supplying our own produce, just as our our grandparents did.
Gardening is a healthy and satisfying endeavor. It provides numerous benefits, including a sense of accomplishment and personal wellbeing, an inexpensive supply of high quality vegetables, and builds morale during stressful times. Growing vegetables reconnects us with nature, and strengthens us in many ways. Gardening is a perfect antidote for these dark and depressing times. I think of them as "Peace Gardens."
A surprising quantity of delicious and healthy produce can be grown in this way, and it is easier to accomplish than one might suppose. This can be done almost anywhere: in backyards, vacant lots, in containers or planter boxes, on porches or on window ledges. Community gardens are popping up in urban areas as well as in small communities accross the country.
Small gardens are easy to create using inexpensive, local materials: wood, stone, soil, compost, manure, and water. The size and layouts of the gardens will be dictated by the spaces available. Raised beds are a good solutions for most gardens, and can be built using clean recycled wood, or local stone. They should be designed to provide good drainage (Gravel can be put in the bottoms to assist drainage). The best raised beds are 3-4 feet wide, 16"-24" deep, and can be worked from either side.
When picking a spot, make sure that is has good solar access, and the availability of good water. If you must use city water, acquire food grade 55 gallon plastic barrels as a temporary holding tanks. This will allow the chlorine in the city water to evaporate prior to watering. Roof water catchment is also a good alternative in areas where pollution is minimal.
Find the best garden soil that you can acquire. Do not dig soil near roads or highways, as these are all polluted with petro chemicals and lead. Ask around and find our where others get their garden soil. It should have lots of worms. Soil with a high clay content can be used, but must be improved. If you must use soil that is marginal, start by sterilizing it with solar, heat or steam. This will kill all bacteria, spores and nematodes, etc. Then augment the soil. You can add washed sand, wood shavings, organic compost, chicken, sheep or horse manure (seasoned not fresh), etc. Mix it in well with shovels and pitchforks.
The economic gifts of gardening are considerable. In addition to supplying ourselves with high quality organic vegetables at a low cost, we are also able to trade, barter or sell our extra bounty. This facilitates our participation in the alternative (underground) economy. The alternative economies will be essential as the traditional ones will soon collapse under their own dead weight.
As spring approaches, it is a good time to begin gathering the seeds, the supplies and the tools necessary to begin gardening. During the dark and cold months that precede spring, one can brush up on the essentials of gardening: composting and making soil, acquiring organic fertilizer, sprouting and planting the seeds, making raised beds, protecting the seedlings from pests, weeding, harvesting, "putting up" the produce, and finally - the many ways of preparing and eating the bounty. There are numerous resources available to assist in this learning process: Libraries, used book stores, university extension programs, and best of all - from experienced gardeners in our own communities.
Planting a peace garden is an excellent vehicle for re-establishing one's connection with nature, restoring one's place in the natural food chain, for preserving personal freedom, and for sewing the seeds of peace. This is the essence of true homeland security.
(Click on
graphic to see a larger image of the garden deign, and to read
more about this cool design.)
The following online resources are excellent for helping readers get started in gardening.
The new farm website by RODALES
Rodales has done it again. Long a pioneer in organic gardening and publishing, Rodales has created a large website for new farmers. The international focus is on small farms and large organic gardens. New farm offers a wealth of resources: research, stories, letters from readers, marketing tips, and much, much more. A truly valuable resource...American Victory Garden Exhibit
source: Smithsonian Institution - Within These Walls
The Smithsonian Institution invites you to visit its new Victory Garden, an outdoor garden produced in conjunction with the Within These Walls... exhibition at the National Museum of American History, Behring Center. Using a design from a 1943 pamphlet, the Horticulture...Gardening Online Fact Sheets/fruit and vegetables.pdf
source: CSU /Colorado State University ExtensionsOrganic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
source: Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA)
PO Box 3657, Fayetteville, AR 72702, Phone: 1-800-346-9140 --- FAX: (479) 442-9842
Small Garden Links
Growing Vegetables In The Home Garden
Small Space and Container Gardening
Container Vegetable Gardening.pdf
Irrigation methods for small vegetable gardens in remote rural areas
The Best of the Gardening magazines and books - Old ones are as valuable as the current ones.
Organic Gardening - http://www.organicgardening.com/
Mother Earth News - http://www.motherearthnews.com/index_js.html
Anything (and everything) published by Rodale Press
Website by Lightwatcher Publishing