Grow your own victory garden

Learn how to grow your own victory garden, thanks to tips from the pros!

The term "victory garden" emerged during World Wars I and II as a way to minimize demand on an overburdened public food system. People were encouraged to grow their own fruits and vegetables so more of the food coming from farms and processors could be shipped overseas to soldiers. Today, victory gardens have seen a resurgence in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. And, according to our gardening expert, Kristina Lacayo of Green Acres Nursery and Supply in Elk Grove, starting one couldn't be easier!

Here's what you will need:

• Seeds or starter plants
• A garden plot (or containers for growing on a patio or balcony)
• Compost and/or fertilizer

When it comes to planting seeds, Kristina advises that you let your seed packet be your guide. First, make sure the weather is appropriate for outdoor planting. Some seeds do just fine with extreme cold (frost), while others need to stay inside until that particular threat has passed.

Once you're good to go, plant seeds directly in the soil, making sure to place seeds at the correct depth and distance from each other. Try digging all your holes first, then simply drop in the seeds and cover with soil. To encourage root growth, plan to water deeply every few days instead of quickly every day.

Kristina also recommends choosing a location that gets six to eight hours of sunlight each day. A few of the vegetables that she says are the most cost-effective to grow are beans, beets, cucumbers, kale and tomatoes.

For more information, visit https://idiggreenacres.com/.