It is still not too late to put in a garden. I know I have written recently about how I am not a gardener but like a lot of other folks, I have put in a garden… of sorts.
My husband integrated his garden into the flowers along the back of the house and fence. My garden has grown by two more flowerpots on the patio for a grand total of six. There are even some strawberry plants in the strawberry pot for the first time ever.
Some people call this the COVID-19 victory garden. I like to think of it as more of my peace garden: Peace to settle my mind for a while, to know where my food is coming from, to not depending on the shelves at the supermarket for everything (at least during this summer). And I know who has handled it.
Victory gardens historically came about during WWI when there was a food shortage in Europe. Countries depended more on the United States to send them food. Americans were encouraged to grow more for themselves during this time, so there would be more available to share with those across the seas.
This happened again during WWII as more agricultural workers were now serving in the military. Canned food especially was in need for sending to the troops. The home garden during this time also supplemented the rationing coupons that could be used for other items. Eleanor Roosevelt even had a victory garden planted on the White House lawn.
Today there has been a resurgence of home gardens related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reasons for this include anxiety about the food supply, more time is being spent at home, it is easy to do, and it can save money while supplying fresh vegetables and fruit.
There are many benefits to having a home garden. It can provide a relaxing connection to nature without having to go anywhere. It offers an opportunity to tune out — at least for a while — other worrisome events in our world. It can give opportunities for alone time or family time. Gardens can be fun as you watch your children learn and get excited about what they are growing. A garden can bring bountiful rewards beyond what is produced, such as just helping us to relax. There are some aspects of gardening that can even help us work off frustrations, depending on your mood. In short, spending time in the garden can be good for our mental health.
When you are out and about for a drive, you may have noticed the home gardens sprouting up. Some are getting creative. I’ve even noticed a raised bed garden in a silver livestock watering trough.
Our garden did not involve a tiller or digging up a large part of the yard. Our veggie plants do not look bad mixed in with the flowers. I like to think green is green, especially in the backyard. But then I have been known to leave a weed if it has a pretty bloom. It is okay to get creative. Besides, I find that veggies in with the daylilies to be a feast for the senses. I love flowers! Of course, that is not to say I do not like to eat. This year I am especially looking forward to my ‘happy’ flowers: zinnias! I planted them years ago when my children were small so that they would have many flowers to pick and give to their special people. Zinnias remind me of happy times with our grandmothers. After they are picked you soon have new blooms. They are one of the easiest flowers to grow, even if you do not have a green thumb.
If you are new to gardening some of the easiest plants to grow are tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, sunflowers, zinnias, and marigolds. There are also many others that do not require much effort. What you grow though should be what you like to eat or flowers that just bring you joy. Our planting season in Zone 6 is May — June. So, this late in the game, I would recommend buying plants already started. You can learn much from many online resources, a good gardening book, or just visit one of our local businesses and talk with them. So happy gardening, even if it is only one or two pots.
