Using STA Certified Compost – Directions for Use and Specifications: Victory Garden Uses
Compost in Victory Gardens
Have you joined the rejuvenated Victory Garden movement? Millions of Americans who are sheltering in place due to the current COVID-19 restrictions have turned to their gardens for exercise, family activity, health produce and fun!
Where did the term “Victory Gardens” Come From?
During World War II, labor shortages stretched the nation’s food production system to its limits. Americans were encouraged to harvest their own food by establishing “Victory Gardens” at their own homes. Twenty million Americans answered the call, growing fresh produce that helped the nation prevail through a difficult time. By 1944, historians estimate 20 million victory gardens were planted for a harvest of about eight million tons of food. This equaled more than 40 percent of all the fresh fruits and vegetables consumed in the United States, according to federal government statistics at the time.
Victory Gardens served another function, too: creating unity. Neighbors helped neighbors, sharing tips and extra produce. Families learned to become more self-reliant, lessening their impact on our industries and environment. The majority of Victory Gardens were likely organic!
Food production again has come under enormous pressure. Growing a Victory Garden is a great way to sustain your family, community, and the planet through times of uncertainty.
Compost and the Victory Garden
Compost is an essential ingredient to a successful Victory Garden, providing nutrients and organic matter to replenish tired soil. Even if you are unable to get soil tests, a 5% compost to soil ratio will help your garden flourish! Often this means adding compost 1-2” deep for every 6-8” of soil you dig into.
US Composting Council (USCC) and the Compost Research and Education Foundation (CREF)’s International Compost Awareness Week program teamed up to kick off a new campaign that gives us all something beneficial to our marketing and good news to disseminate: Use compost in your Victory Garden!