Expert tips to maximize any victory garden
This year, individuals across America have found a renewed interest in gardening and home cooking. These two activities go hand in hand as people grow their own produce and herbs that can be plucked just steps from the kitchen, where they can whip up tasty creations. In fact, this movement revived the concept of victory gardens, which help people become more self-reliant.
Victory gardens were common during World War I and II, when people were encouraged to grow their own foods to supplement their household needs and open the food supply for the troops. People would grow fast-yield crops in virtually any open soil, whether on their properties or in community gardens.
Victory gardens are trending in summer 2020 because people want to positively utilize their space while spending time at home. In fact, more than half (55 percent) of American adults have been gardening or caring for their lawn in recent months, according to a survey of 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults by Wakefield Research for Miracle-Gro.
Growing a victory garden as a family is a wonderful way to bond, enjoy fresh air and lower grocery bills. With the surge in cooking at home, many Americans are discovering the joy of using fresh items from their gardens. Two-thirds (67 percent) of adults are growing or plan to grow edible plants, including vegetables (52 percent), herbs (33 percent) and fruits (31 percent), according to the survey.
Proper care can help ensure a bountiful harvest from victory gardens. Miracle-Gro’s Sara Eff, a scientist in gardens at research and development, offered these helpful tips for getting the most out of some popular garden plants.
Add supports
As garden plants grow, many need a little support. This helps keep leaves out of the dirt, prevents many diseases and strengthens plants against the elements. For example, pepper plants should be staked to help support the main stem. Tomatoes benefit from a cage to protect the fruit-bearing branches. Plants such as peas, beans and cucumbers love to climb a trellis, which also makes it easier to pick them.
Nourish well
Like a multivitamin for the garden, consider supercharging flowers and edible plants with a fertilizer made from a mix of natural and organic ingredients. This can help plants grow faster and stronger, promoting higher yields than unfed plants.
Water wisely
Be aware of precipitation and how much Mother Nature is providing. Use a water gauge to help, if needed. Gardens need about 1 inch of water per week, but gardeners may need to supply more, depending on heat and drought conditions. Keep in mind that deeper watering every few days is ideal, rather than quick sprinkles, with the early-morning hours best to avoid evaporation.
To pinch or not to pinch
Small unnecessary stems and leaves can be pruned or hand-pinched to stimulate growth upward. For example, tomato suckers are small leaves off the main stem. Any below the lowest set of flowers can be removed or pinched off. Be sure to research proper trimming per plant variety, as each one is unique. For example, when a basil plant blooms at the top, pinch it off so that the leaves stay intact. However, never pinch tomato flowers because that is what turns into fruit.
Second harvests
With a bit of smart planning, gardeners can produce multiple harvests that provide fresh foods into fall. Early-maturing crops such as lettuce, radishes and beets can be replanted mid to late summer and provide another round of produce. For second plantings, choose fast-maturing, disease-resistant varieties of plants. For example, some leafy greens, such as kale, prefer cooler weather and can even survive frosts.