Were victory gardens used in ww2?

Victory Gardens by the Numbers Roughly one half of all American families had a victory garden during World War II. There were at least 20 million victory gardens covering more than 20 million acres of American soil by 1943. 40% of the nation’s produce was supplied by victory gardens by 1944.

What did they grow in victory gardens during ww2?

Of all the celebrated nostalgic markers of World War II, few are as memorable as America’s victory gardens — those open lots, rooftops and backyards made resplendent with beets, broccoli, kohlrabi, parsnips and spinach to substitute for the commercial crops diverted to troops overseas during the war.

What was planted in a victory garden?

Amid protests from the Department of Agriculture, Eleanor Roosevelt even planted a victory garden on the White House lawn. Some of the most popular produce grown included beans, beets, cabbage, carrots, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, peas, tomatoes, turnips, squash and Swiss chard.

What cities were victory gardens during ww2?

San Francisco’s victory program became one of the best in the country. There were over 800 gardens in Golden Gate Park. Every park in the city had gardens and many vacant lots were used for growing vegetables.

Who planted the first victory garden?

In 1943, with World War II underway, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt had a victory garden planted on the front lawn of the White House—just one of the millions of victory gardens planted that year.

How did victory gardens work?

During World War II, Victory Gardens were planted by families in the United States (the Home Front) to help prevent a food shortage. This meant food for everyone! Planting Victory Gardens helped make sure that there was enough food for our soldiers fighting around the world.

Do victory gardens still exist today?

Today, Victory Gardens still exist, but with a slightly different purpose. Modern day Victory Gardens combat issues of food security, sustainable living, maintaining healthy ecosystems, and strong local economies.