Silver Lining Playbook: How I Planted A "Corona Victory Garden" at Home in the Hamptons
Have you heard about the neat new horticultural trend called Corona Victory Gardens? “Victory Gardens” were vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens planted at private residences and public parks in the United States during World War II. Governments encouraged people to plant victory gardens not only to supplement their rations but also to boost morale in that gardeners could feel empowered by their contribution of labor and rewarded by the produce grown.
Where I buy herbs & lettuce in the Hamptons:
You can grow fresh lettuce and herbs, even in compact spaces. Just choose the right plants to maximize productivity. Container Victory Gardens provide ideal growing conditions when space is limited. Growing a small vegetable garden is like living in a small house: It’s not as easy as it looks. One of the keys to success is making good plant choices. Choose compact, productive plants that take up less space yet still provide plenty to harvest.
Here’s What I Plant in my Victory Garden at Maple Shade:
Basil
Mesclun Mixes
The word mesclun means miscellaneous greens, attributed to wild weeds once foraged by peasants in Europe to supplement their limited diets. Halsey Farm grows a Mild Mesclun Mix which I love for spring salads.
Lettuce
Lettuce comes in all shapes, sizes and colors, and the key to a great-looking container garden is to mix it up. Plant different types of lettuce, starting with Little Gem, a mini romaine that forms a sweet, dense heart. Add some Merlot, a striking red butterhead, and Lolla Rossa, a loose-leaf type with frilly leaves.
How to Choose Soil or Potting Mix for Your Planters
Do not fill your containers with soil from your garden or bagged topsoil. You should fill the containers with a “soilless” potting mix that will retain moisture and resist compaction.
Watering Your Container Vegetable Garden
Vegetables require a consistent supply of water to perform their best. Inconsistent moisture causes lots of problems, poor root development, leaf curling, insect problems, and rot. I use a simple watering can as I don’t have many pots to care for, but the other way to ensure your plants always have a consistent supply of water is to use a self-watering planter.
Where to Place Your Planters
Most vegetables require at least six hours of sunlight per day. Salad greens and herbs can usually get by with less. I keep my containers just off my kitchen so I have easy access while preparing dinner to just pop out and snip, snip, snip! Plants will be happiest in a protected location where the wind doesn’t batter and dry out their foliage. Arrange your pots so larger plants shield smaller plants. Clustering potted plants also helps to raise humidity levels, keeping plants more productive.
All of my vintage urns and planters are finds from James Maguire Antiques located at 94 West Montauk Highway. My blue and white porcelain collection are also finds from local antique dealers, estate sales, and The Enchanted Home.
Plant your own Victory Garden today!
* For more gardening tips be sure to follow me on instagram @KDHamptons. I post lots of tips in my stories almost daily. Also, visit gardeners.com which literally offers every tool and bit of advice you need to be a great home gardener.
