One of our clients asked us to create a victory garden…the first question we asked was “what is a victory garden?” https://library.si.edu/exhibition/cultivating-americas-gardens/gardening-for-the-common-good
Victory gardens became popular during World War I and World War II when citizens were encouraged to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs at home to support the war effort. By producing food locally, families reduced pressure on public food supplies and helped boost morale during difficult times.
These gardens were planted in backyards, schoolyards, parks, and even vacant lots. At their peak during World War II, victory gardens supplied a significant portion of the fresh vegetables consumed in the United States.
Today, the term “victory garden” has evolved to represent any home garden focused on food production, sustainability, and independence.
Best Crops for a Victory Garden
The best victory gardens focus on productive, easy-to-grow crops that provide consistent harvests throughout the season.
Popular choices include:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Lettuce
- Green beans
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Herbs such as basil, parsley, and rosemary
This metal veg planting bin will contain her bean seeds. Jason created a rudimentary trellis for the beans to climb up.
We already installed two very large stone planting boxes a few years back, but we recently added a few more items so we could expand her space. The photos were taken a while ago and include other stuff that has since been removed to make room for her current garden. In the stone planters I added squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
This garden has a drip system, so it is irrigated on a regular, scheduled basis (unlike my own garden which gets watered when I remember!)
Since we all love herbs, her back wall is the perfect location for herbs, as it is hot, dry, and well drained. It does not get irrigation and is always in full sun.
This black bag is called a grow bag and is used to house potatoes.
Why Victory Gardens Are Popular Again
Modern homeowners are rediscovering the value of growing their own food for several reasons:
Rising Grocery Costs
Fresh produce prices continue to increase, making homegrown vegetables an attractive option for families looking to save money.
Healthier Eating
Home gardens encourage healthier eating habits by providing easy access to fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.
Sustainability
Growing food at home reduces transportation, packaging waste, and reliance on large-scale industrial agriculture.
Outdoor Living
Victory gardens also create inviting outdoor spaces that encourage people to spend more time outside and connect with nature.
Food Security
Many people appreciate having a reliable source of fresh produce during uncertain times or supply chain disruptions.
Victory Gardens and Modern Landscape Design
Today’s victory gardens are often integrated into residential landscape designs rather than hidden away in separate areas. Edible landscaping combines beauty and functionality by incorporating vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, and pollinator-friendly plants into the overall outdoor environment.
Some homeowners blend raised vegetable beds with patios, pathways, and ornamental plantings to create outdoor spaces that are both productive and visually appealing.
This approach allows homeowners to maximize usable yard space while supporting sustainability and biodiversity.
By combining practical food production with thoughtful landscape design, homeowners can create outdoor spaces that are beautiful, sustainable, and highly rewarding for years to come.
