After the few weeks’ interruption brought on by the recent inclement weather, this week’s column returns to the theme of unique gardening possibilities.
One catchy type of garden that is gaining recognition is called the Climate Victory Garden. All gardeners are familiar with the “Victory Gardens” of World War I and World War II, in which nearly 40 percent of fresh vegetables and fruit consumed in the United States was produced. Home gardeners rallied to the patriotic cause of producing their own food, many times by necessity, given the shortage of fresh produce in those wartimes.
Climate Victory Gardens are following this passionate example by incorporating regenerative agriculture principles, not so much for the patriotic zeal but nonetheless still impassioned for a cause of protecting the environment.
There is a resurgent emphasis in growing food with minimal disturbance to the ecosystem. The term “regenerative agriculture” captures the essence of conservation and restoration of the environment. Food producers, whether farming on vast acreages or small gardens have long the best stewards of our natural resources. Regenerative agriculture is a system that emphasizes biodiversity while sustaining healthy soils. Strategies followed include recycling organic matter.
Climate Victory Gardens are promoted by Green America, nonprofit organization that strives to see members of the public grow a garden. Green America (greenam.org) tells us that planting a garden has the power to change the world. Since last year Green America has tracked Climate Victory Gardens and have seen the number of gardens increase from 2,400 April 2020 to 8,239 in February 2021 (ClimateVictoryGardens.org).
To create a sense of community among gardeners, a map (greenamerica.org/climate-victory-gardens) shows the locations of private and public Climate Victory Gardens. There are gardens on every continent but Antarctica; most of the gardens are in North America, with a high number in the United Kingdom.
Beginning and seasoned gardeners can plant a personal Climate Victory Garden. Start by following these five steps:
1. Minimize or eliminate chemicals by practicing crop rotation, close monitoring of pests and practicing mechanical pest control (picking off insects), mechanical weed elimination (hoeing).
2. Plant cover crops to reduce weed pressure and water evaporation.
3. Enhance biodiversity by planting an assortment of crops, attracting pollinators and wildlife
4. Grow a personal source of food crops
5. Compost crop residue to recycle organic matter
Everyone—in fact, anyone—can grow a garden!
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