05/28/2009

Freedom gardens…have you planted one yet?

Freedom gardens are the modern day Victory Gardens.

During World War I and World War II, the United States government asked its citizens to plant gardens in order to support the war effort. Millions of people planted gardens. In 1943, Americans planted over 20 million Victory Gardens, and the harvest accounted for nearly a third of all the vegetables consumed in the country that year. Emphasis was placed on making gardening a family or community effort — not a drudgery, but a pastime, and a national duty. ** Source ReviveVictoryGarden.org

Our current President Mr. Barack Obama has yet to ask us to plant Gardens but I think the time has come for us to grow our own food. Today our food travels an average of 1500 miles from farm to table. The process of planting, fertilizing, processing, packaging, and transporting our food uses a great deal of energy and contributes to the cause of global warming.

But..but..but…

Mama won’t accept any excuses. Don’t have a green thumb? Join an online community of new gardeners. If you don’t have a backyard, grow something in a container. Peppers, cilantro, and mint will grow well in a container. It’ll taste better too. If you don’t have time to water your garden, have your children to it. If you don’t have children, ask a neighbor if their children will do it (and tell them you’ll share the bounty).

Plant a garden today. Your body will thank you tomorrow.

Already have a Freedom Garden? Send us a picture! We might even send you a prize.

- Mama