Victory gardening is on the upswing. In the wake of COVID-19, also known as the corona-virus, many non-essential businesses are closed throughout the US. Adapting to COVID-19 is not easy. There is no certainty of when businesses will reopen. And the social distancing requirements have been extended through April. And people can return to work. From our homes many of us are gardening again. Victory gardening in 2020 means a lot. Remember Spring is not cancelled, gardening will continue.
Gardens are Growing in 2020
Most agriculture and farming workers are viewed as “critical infrastructure.” So planting and growing operations will continue. But a number of retail plant outlets are temporarily out-of-business.
So while retail stores may be closed, flowers and plants are being kept alive. Like any other April….what is planted, will grow.
During World War II, many people planted victory gardens. In the US the government encouraged planting food gardens for defense. These were vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens located at homes and in most public parks. They allowed individuals to stay in-tune with nature. And also to avoid the very real food shortages of that war.
Gardens are popping up everywhere in the midst of the corona-virus. On porches, in planter boxes and in flower beds America is growing victory gardens again.
Today many Americans are stranded in their own homes. Amid this uncertainty created by the pandemic, some things are certain. And that is that one day we will emerge from our houses and apartments when we win a victory against the corona-virus. We plant victory gardens as a reminder.
Preparing Your Victory Garden
Here’s a list of what garden experts recommend you do to prepare a garden for Spring planting.
- Dig new beds and borders around your home or in planters.
- If any perennial plants are still standing, cut them back.
- Divide and transplant all those perennials that bloom in the summer- and fall. There will be plenty of time to get them established before it’s time for them to bloom. Wait to divide plants and flowers that bloom in the spring, until the Autumn.
- Consider aerating your lawn. This is helpful every two or three years. You might want to consider foot traffic, grass and soil types.
- Now is the time to fill in the patchy spots with grass seed. Keep all areas watered (especially if you have seeds down).
- Avoid too much on trees that bloom in spring or in the early summer months. That can trim off flower buds that are just starting to develop.
- Focus on cutting back damaged or diseased branches or bushes. Actually, that is not specific to any season.
- Prune your roses when they sprout tiny red buds that will eventually become stems. When stems are about 1/2-inch-long, the rose is no longer dormant. And then you will be able to tell what stems and wood areas are still alive or have died due to winter cold.
- Feed and fertilize your roses mid April to mid May. This is the same time you want to prune them. Fish emulsion works well as a good starter food. It won’t harm the roots. Mix 1 gallon of water with 2 tablespoons of fish emulsion. You need about half a gallon for each plant.
- Mid April apply a mild weed killer to your borders and flowerbeds.
This new interest in gardening is heartening. Actually, it is life affirming. And the idea of a victory garden in 2020 is a good one. So as we move into Springtime, the trending hashtag is #SpringNotCancelled.
