The All-American Garden

Feeling patriotic? Red, White and Blue, Victory Gardens or Native Plantings will all come together to say what we feel in our hearts. Plant your own All-American Garden this spring!

World War II Government Victory garden poster

The Victory Garden
Our History
The world was at war. Resources of all kinds were being utilized to help in the war efforts. One resource for food was the Victory Garden. An entire campaign was launched to plant a “Victory Garden,” and nearly 20 million Americans answered the call. These gardens produced up to 40% of all that was consumed.

Red White & Blue Garden
Whether an annual or perennial garden or a mixture of the two, a red, white and blue garden is sure to please. Add a small American flag to keep with the patriotic theme or plant a container garden in a blue or white pot.

For red blooms, try begonias, zinnias, celosia, snapdragons, impatiens, geraniums, salvia and verbena. White bloomers include many of the same varieties--zinnias, impatiens, geraniums, and begonias, for example--as well as dianthus, phlox and cosmos. Ageratum and salvia are blue as are a few perennials like delphiniums, salvia and bellflowers. Petunias come in all three patriotic colors and include bi-colors, although the blue is actually more of a deep purple. They do best in full sun.

Planning the Perfect Garden

Location, Location, Location
Most gardens need a minimum of 6 hours of full sun, a weed-free site and ample water to grow good flowers and/or vegetables. However, to grow great flowers and vegetables, you must first grow great soil. If your soil isn’t naturally rich and well-drained, you will need to improve it by adding compost, Bumper Crop or Mushroom Compost and Peat Moss.

Seeds and Seedlings
Sew the seeds of wildflowers, perennials, radishes, beans, peas, corn, beets, onion sets and potatoes directly into the ground. While squash, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers and most flowering annuals may be transplanted from pre-started plants. Start them indoors by using a Jiffy Windowsill Greenhouse, HydroFarm Hot House with Heat Mat or Seed Trays with Plastic Pots or Peat Pots filled with Country Cottage Seed Starting Soil or use Jiffy-7 Pellets. We also carry Windowsill Extenders, Gro Lights and Fixtures, Capillary Matting Wicks (to water your plants), Labels and Markers to make your seed starting as easy and convenient as possible. Consult our chart for planting temperatures and special instructions.

Plan Ahead
The time to protect your garden from bugs, slugs and critters is before they destroy a single plant. Erect a pest-proof barrier of chicken wire fencing to keep rabbits and ground hogs from eating your vegetables and flowers. Apply Sluggo to areas that you know are prone to snails and slugs – this product is also safe for children and pets.

Is it vegetables, flowers, or both, that you’ll be planting this spring? Remember, even the smallest spots can have radishes, lettuce, pansies or primrose tucked into them. If space is at a premium in your garden beds, or if your “yard” consists of a balcony or patio, try container gardening. Use your imagination when planting - who said vegetables and flowers don’t mix?

Seed Planting Temperatures

Seeds That Require Special Treatment

Key:

• Pansies
  
  
• English Daisies

• Primrose
  
  
• Perennials
  
  
• Cold Crop Veggies
  
  
• Seeds
  
  
• Summer-Flowering Bulbs (Indoors)
  
  
• Perennials

• Trees & Shrubs
  
  
• Evergreens
  
  
• Herbs

• Flowering Hydrangeas
  (White, Pink and Blue Flowers)
  
  
• Flowering Bulbs:
  Tulips, Hyacinths, Daffodils, Tet-A-Tets, Grape Hyacinths, Easter Lilies, Asiatic Lilies, Oriental Lilies.
  
  
• Martha Washington Geraniums

• Kalanchoe
  
  
• African Violets
  
  
• Reiger Begonias
  

• Orchids
  
  
• Bonsai
  
  
• Gardenias
  
  
• Flowering & Foliage
  Hanging Baskets
  
  
• Dish Gardens

• Herbs
  
  
• Ivy Topiaries
  
  
• And More!