Brief history of backyard gardening in America
Backyard gardens have a long history in America, dating back to the colonial era when they were used to grow food for families and communities. During World War I, backyard gardens, also known as “war gardens” or “victory gardens,” were promoted as a way to support the war effort by increasing food production and reducing demand on the public food supply. The government and private organizations encouraged citizens to plant gardens at home, in schools, and on public land, and provided resources and information to help them do so. Many people, including those living in urban areas, planted gardens as a patriotic duty and to help conserve resources. Some estimates suggest that by 1918, victory gardens were producing up to 40% of the vegetables consumed in the United States.
They became popular again in the 1940s during World War II, as a way to conserve resources and boost food production. The “victory garden” movement encouraged citizens to grow their own fruits and vegetables to supplement rations and support the war effort. In the 1960s and 1970s, the environmental and self-sufficiency movements sparked renewed interest in backyard gardening. The recent trend of “locavore” eating and interest in organic food has also contributed to the popularity of backyard gardening.
Different States, different crops
It is difficult to say which states in America are the most popular for backyard gardens, as gardening is a popular activity across the country and the popularity of backyard gardening can vary depending on the region, climate and culture. However, some states are known for their particularly favorable growing conditions for certain types of fruits and vegetables, such as California for its mild climate and fertile soil that is good for growing a wide variety of crops, Florida for its warm and humid climate that is well suited for growing tropical fruits and vegetables, and states in the Midwest for their fertile soil and moderate climate that is good for growing corn, soybeans, wheat, and other grains.
In general, it’s safe to say that backyard gardening is a popular activity in most states of America, urban and rural areas, and it’s a way to grow fresh produce, as well as a hobby and a way to connect with nature.
There are multiple stores, both local and online where we like to source our seeds and seedlings. Such as the edible garden section at Home Depot. Find out what is in season before heading down to your local store by checking online here.
California
California has a diverse climate and geography, which allows for a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to be grown in backyard gardens. Some popular crops for backyard gardens in California include:
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a staple in many California gardens, and can be grown in a variety of climates and soil types.
- Peppers: Both sweet and hot peppers are popular in California gardens and can be grown in a variety of climates.
- Cucumbers: Cucumbers are a popular crop in California and are well suited for the state’s mild climate.
- Berries: California’s climate is well suited for growing a variety of berries, including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and more.
- Citrus: California is also known for its citrus production, with oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits being popular backyard crops.
- Avocado: Avocado trees are a great backyard crop in California, they are well suited to the state’s mild climate and can be grown in a variety of soils.
- Herbs: California’s mild climate is also well suited for growing a variety of herbs, including basil, cilantro, rosemary, thyme, and more.
These are just a few examples of popular backyard garden crops in California, there are many more depending on the region, climate and personal preferences.
California’s Central Valley
The Central Valley of California is known for its fertile soil and long growing season, which makes it well suited for growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Some popular crops for backyard gardens in the Central Valley include:
- Almonds: Almond trees are a popular crop in the Central Valley, they thrive in the region’s warm climate and well-draining soil.
- Peaches, Plums and Nectarines: The central valley is known for its high-quality peaches, plums and nectarines, these fruits are well suited for the region’s warm and dry summers.
- Grapes: The Central Valley is also an important region for grape production, both table grapes and wine grapes are popular backyard garden crops.
- Melons: Watermelons, cantaloupes, and honeydews are popular backyard garden crops in Central Valley.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a staple in many Central Valley gardens, and can be grown in a variety of climates and soil types.
- Leafy greens: Lettuce, spinach, arugula, and other leafy greens are popular backyard garden crops in the Central Valley, they thrive in the region’s mild climate.
- Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are popular backyard garden crops in the Central Valley, they thrive in the region’s mild climate and fertile soil.
- Citrus: Orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit trees are also popular backyard garden crops in the Central Valley, they thrive in the region’s mild climate and fertile soil.
Keep in mind that the specific crops that can be grown in backyard gardens in the Central Valley will also depend on the microclimate of the specific area, and the personal preferences of the gardener.
Florida
Florida has a warm and humid climate that is well suited for growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, with some similarities to California. Some popular crops for backyard gardens in Florida include:
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a staple in many Florida gardens and can be grown in a variety of climates and soil types.
- Peppers: Both sweet and hot peppers are popular in Florida gardens and can be grown in a variety of climates.
- Cucumbers: Cucumbers are a popular crop in Florida and are well suited for the state’s warm and humid climate.
- Squash: Both summer and winter squash varieties are popular in Florida gardens, they thrive in the state’s warm and humid climate.
- Melons: Watermelons, cantaloupes, and honeydews are popular backyard garden crops in Florida, they thrive in the state’s warm and humid climate.
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are popular backyard garden crops in Florida, they thrive in the state’s warm and humid climate.
- Citrus: Orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit trees are also popular backyard garden crops in Florida, they thrive in the state’s warm and humid climate.
- Tropical fruits: Pineapples, Papayas, Mangoes and Guava are also popular backyard garden crops in Florida, they thrive in the state’s warm and humid climate.
- Herbs: Florida’s warm and humid climate is also well suited for growing a variety of herbs, including basil, cilantro, rosemary, thyme, and more.
Keep in mind that the specific crops that can be grown in backyard gardens in Florida will also depend on the microclimate of the specific area, and the personal preferences of the gardener.
For a more detailed discussion of growing seeds vs seedlings see this post, here.
There are some great variety seed packs available on Amazon:
In the meantime, grab a shovel and dig in- Happy gardening!
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