Amid the #COVID19 pandemic, households around the country and throughout the Smoky Valley are noticing empty shelves at grocery stores. For the first time in a generation some food staples have been in short supply, prompting some to look at a patch of dirt in the backyard as a new beginning. Jason Graves, Horticulture Agent with Kansas State University in Salina, says this spring is the perfect time to find your green thumb. “Keep it simple,” Graves said with a smile. “Choose the foods your family will eat and get started!”

As a Master Gardener, Graves also encourages gardeners of all levels to send in a soil sample for testing. K-State Poly has a great how-to page.

“Good soil, a good sunny spot, and a water supply, and you’ll have a place to grow not only vegetables and fruit but memories with your family too,” Graves said

Seeds, hoses, plants, potting soil, rakes and shovels can all be found right here in Lindsborg . Stop by in person at Lindsborg Greenhouse & Nursery, Lindsborg Hardware Store and Dollar General. You can shop online for heirloom seeds at Small World Gallery until restrictions are lifted and all stores are open again.

A Victory Mindset

Growing a garden and canning the harvest is something our grandparents and great-grandparents seemingly did with ease, but it took a couple of world wars to encourage the general population to dig into the dirt and sow the seeds of victory.

In 1917, during the height of WW I, a severe food crisis stretched across Europe as men were called to fight and farmland was trampled under by soldiers. The National War Garden Commission encouraged Americans to do their part by growing their own food in yards, school grounds and vacant lots to fill the gap.

Soon victory gardens were prospering as Americans contributed to the war effort.

During WW II victory gardens again gave families a chance to express their patriotism and safeguard the nation’s food supply.