The Victory Patch

Garden? Why?

Urban gardening has existed since cities were built. During World War II, 20 million Americans planted "victory gardens" that produced 40% of the country's food supply.

Why is urban gardening now a growing trend?

• The obvious reason is to save on the food bill.
• Today, according to a University of California report, "Protecting the earth is getting harder for growers on California’s Central Coast, where the need to ensure food safety conflicts with environmental rules aimed at improving water quality and wildlife habitat."
• Today, according to a University of California report, "Protecting the earth is getting harder for growers on California’s Central Coast, where the need to ensure food safety conflicts with environmental rules aimed at improving water quality and wildlife habitat."
• Just as in the World War times; we today are in crisis with many families struggling to make ends meet. If you have a bit of space (in ground or in a container, you can grow something to eat.) And doing it the right way will give you some very good food rich in nutrients.
• With some many things happening today that seem to be out of our control, growing your own food is certainly a way to get something together that's in your control. Plant it, nurture it, and it will provide you a meal. That's almost instant gratification and in 2009, we surely look for that as often as possible.
• Reduce environmental impacts:
• Pre- (67%) and Post- (11%) consumption dominates energy use (products, transportation, recycling and waste management)

What are the benefits to urban gardening?

• They are numerous … and many I already mentioned above .. here are more ... So just stated in a different way ...
•  Locally grown food reduces the environmental impact in terms of fuel usage — a lot of fuel is used to bring tomatoes up from Mexico as opposed to getting them from your own backyard.
• The environmental impact in terms of waste. It takes energy to dispose of the food waste from mass production and from your dinner table to the land fill - but nothing if you compost. And, you save and gain big time!
• There are also health benefits, as urban farms are usually free of the harmful pesticides and fertilizers that most large commercial farms use.
• Home grown food tastes better too, and those who practice urban farming say it gives them a feeling of personal satisfaction. Like any good hobby, urban farmers find growing food rewarding in and of itself, apart from the material benefits it provides.
• Did you know that a mere 2 acres can grow enough food to feed 2000 people? Well, I don't have 2 acres. I don't even have a bit of an acre. But if I can stitch together enough neighbors growing food to make 2 acres; then we can feed 2000 people. Get it?

But, I don't have a green thumb

And neither do I! More later ... V!