Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 April 1919 — Ten Million Victory Gardens Should Be Planted Early This Spring [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Ten Million Victory Gardens Should Be Planted Early This Spring

By C. L. PACK.

War Garden Conmusioa

The war garden commission, which has been credited with much of the effort by which the number of home gardens in America has been steadily increased during the last three years, till 1918 saw more than five a>;<l a quarter millions of patriots raising food at home to win the war, has received word from Herbert C. Hoover that the work must not lag this year. From every viewpoint the rontinued creation of food f. o. b. the back door, is considered desirable. t The nation’s health authorities have reported tc I the commission that a material improvement in the

health of the nation, particularly among men and women beyond the prime of life, has been brought about by the moderate exercise, sunshine and fresh air and lively interest brought about through the general adoption of garden i pg as an avocation. And the fiscal guardians of the government have not been slow to recognize the home garden as a great national asset. Hitting the average law and crediting each garden with creating $25 of wealth —that is, supplying food for which $25 otherwise would have been spent —last year’s gardens put not less than $132,000,000 in the way of being lent to the government in return for Liberty bonds and War Savings stamps. Tliat much of this gnonev was so invested is proved by the number of garden clubs that became subscribers for bonds in each of the war loans But even more important than the money lent to the government by home gardeners as a direct result of their outdoor activities is the habit of thrift created, engendered and fostered by the garden returns. Students of national economy have concluded that few will willingly return to the practice of buying from day to day the things that can be raised in the garden. So the war garden commission is encouraged to hope that its efforts to have ten million Victory gardens, which is the new name for the war garden planted this year will be successful. * Now is the time to start little or big garden clubs, elect officers for the year, hold meetings to swap experiences and suggest methods, invite speakers who have a message, and study garden pamphlets, bulletins and seedsmen’s catalogues.