VIctory Gardens

As foodstuffs were being rationed and sent abroad, Canadians decided they could do their part by cultivating their own small garden plots to supplement vegetable supplies.

Initially the Canadian government was against families growing their own vegetable gardens. The government argued that the demand for tools and fertilizers would put unnecessary pressure on war industry that needed those materials, and that limited seed supplies would be more effectively used by experienced gardeners who already owned necessary equipment. Nonetheless, Canadians continued to cultivate their small plots and by 1943 the Canadian government shifted to supporting these gardens – nicknamed victory gardens.

MACKIN HOUSE’S VICTORY GARDEN, SUMMER 2019

At the peak of cultivation there were over 200,000 victory gardens nationwide, producing 57,000 tons of veggies. Victory gardens were a great morale booster for Canadians on the home front, who felt like they were doing their part by growing their own food. Furthermore, contrary to initial beliefs of the Canadian government, victory gardens actually freed up a small amount of demand so that more experienced food producers could send more of their produce to allies overseas.

Often the productivity of victory gardens is exaggerated in Canadian culture, but this is partially due to their important symbolic role. Urban homeowners were able to convert their lawns and yards into gardens, which allowed them to feel like they were directly contributing to the war effort. Patriotism was intrinsically connected to tending to victory gardens. Furthermore, though victory gardens were only a small supplementary source of vegetables, they still provided fresh and nutrition food for urban Canadians. Common vegetables grown in victory gardens included: carrots, tomatoes, beans, peas, cabbage, and beets.

World War II was a total war, which meant that everyone, including civilians, was affected by the conflict. Many Canadians served overseas, and those at home went in droves to new wartime industries. However, Canadians felt the effects of war in other ways as well. Every Canadian, regardless if they worked in a wartime industry or had a loved one overseas, was impacted by rationing. During the war, supplies like food, fabric, metals, and rubber, were in high demand for war material or feeding soldiers and allies. For example, gasoline was rationed and the purchase of gasoline required coupons from the ration booklet. This blog series will focus on rationed goods, how Canadians supplemented their personal food sources, and how Canada organized supplies to provide relief to their allies.