Tip of the Week

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Victory Gardens . . .

Maybe you remember studying about World War II and all the efforts that the US Government asked people to do to support the war.  One I don't remember studying was Victory Gardens, also referred to as Liberty or Patriot Gardens.  Basically, the US Government encouraged people to plant vegetable gardens in any unused land space they could use.  Millions of Americans did and statistics I read said about 40% of all vegetables grown during the war were from this Victory Gardens.

I personally love this idea and I really think that we could benefit from Liberty Gardens again.  In this economy, Victory Gardens would help so many Americans struggling to feed families.  Get the kids involved with gardening and growing plants.  Gardening is educational and I believe it is important for kids to see first hand where food comes from.

I grow my own vegetables, most in pots since I have a small gardening space.  The three key factors I find important for successful vegetables in pots are pot size, soil, and sun location.  For example, I have my tomatoes growing in large pots with moisture control soil in my front patio.  The front faces south, plus the front patio acts as a greenhouse with heat radiating from the house walls.  If you are still having doubts about growing vegetables, just start small and as you become more successful branch out. 

You will be surprised with the rewards of your own garden.  Tomatoes picked fresh from the vine, smell like tomatoes (you just have to smell one to understand) and are sweet and juicy.  Nothing like ones at the grocery store.  Now ones at farmer's markets will be the best substitute for fresh, home grown tomatoes.

Give it a try . . . maybe plant some vegetables or fruit trees in your yard . . . put up a Liberty garden sign

Tomato plant

                                                             Fresno Chili Pepper plant

Welcome to my corner of the World

Well, Hello there.  Welcome to my blog and my corner of the World.  I am just making life simply to focus on the important things in life.  Organic and sustainablity are important to me, so if you are interested in dipping your toes in the "going green movement" then join me in this journey. 

Along this journey I will be sharing my gardening, cooking, and crafts with you.  All things homemade!  It is worth the time and effort to create or make things for yourself and loved ones.  Not only can you control the materials, but also the recipe/pattern.  For example, the new slouchy hat trend for fall and winter.  Well have you ever tried on one of those hats and found that's it is too small for your head?  Or maybe you didn't like any of the color choices?  Crocheting (or knitting) your own hat is worth the time, and if you shop smart you can find a color and yarn of your own liking.  There are so many patterns for whatever craft you love.

I will share all kinds of crafts with you.  I am not a girl that picks one craft and that's it.  I dip my toes in crocheting (knitting will be the next thing to try), sewing, wood working, painting, beadwork, and so much more. 

Let's start this journey . . . See you along the road!