In World War II, as the cost of food was steadily rising, the US government promoted the idea of Victory Gardens. Families and communities were encouraged to plant vegetables in their back yards or on vacant lots. By 1943, nearly a third of all vegetables harvested came from Victory Gardens. Growing your own was food was perceived as a patriotic duty to support the war effort, and people reaped the benefit of this family and community building activity.
World War II Poster Promoting Victory Gardens
In Germany too, gardens were planted to support the war effort. These gardens are known as Schrebergarten. The difference between the two types of gardens is that this movement never died in Germany. In fact, the Schrebergarten movement is not a new one. Dr. Daniel Gottlieb Moritz Schreber, a 19th century naturopath, wanted to create more athletic fields for the children in his home city of Leipzig. Although his motivation was not sound, the people of Leipzig took to the idea to teach the children the basics of gardening. The gardening movement quickly spread throughout Germany, and has been popular ever since.
It seems to me that the time has come again to revisit communal, cooperative programs that benefit society, promote healthy living, and represent another small step towards oil independence.
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