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World War II Victory Garden title

Plant a Victory Garden Poster
Plant a Victory Garden Poster
SHSND# OWI-34
The report for 1944 was similar in content. The letter of transmittal was dated December 15, 1944. Harry Graves remained on the committee and was responsible for the report. This report summarized the Victory Gardens of 1944 as even more successful than those of 1943. There were approximately 10% more gardens and 15% more garden seed purchased. However, wet weather in the early spring meant a decrease in the expected garden production. (William Page’s diary confirms 1944 as a poor year for gardening). On the plus side, gas and tire rationing meant that people could stay home to work their gardens. In addition to the previous year’s bulletins, the committee added a “conservative fruit program” to its offerings.

The committee gave potential gardeners a little more information in 1944. A 50 ft x 70 ft garden was a good size for a small family, but a family of five would want a garden of about 50 ft x 140 ft. Those who wanted to grow corn, vine crops, or potatoes would need more space. Urban garden rental remained stable at $3.00, but irrigated plots might be rented for up to $10.00.