A sense of victory in our fertile soil

Many Americans who lived during World War II remember “Victory Gardens,” a symbolic way to show support for the troops overseas. With the fighting on two fronts, an economic crisis at home, and a world that needs our attention, should we again consider rallying our support for our country?

It’s all about the belief that we all can overcome these troubled times.

Gardening may seem trivial to some, but it wasn’t during a world at war. It may be a small sacrifice to devote a portion of your yard to a garden; however, a vegetable garden may be the best way some of us can show our support and hopeful spirit to a nation that we call home. Gardening is a wonderful way to celebrate the end of winter. Having control over your own world goes a long way, even if it is a space no larger than your living room. Doctors have proven physical exercise stimulates the production of endorphins (a chemical that controls mood). Getting out in the sun is also very therapeutic.

Chris Clegg, a lifelong Seekonk resident and University of New Hampshire graduate has some useful advice on gardening. He is an expert farmer, with a bachelors of science in plant biology; he has amassed a great deal of knowledge about gardening. He works at his families farm. Nearly 100 years old, the Four Town Farm is a unique property, which resides on the land of East Providence, Seekonk, Barrington, and Swansea. His advice to anyone interested in a vegetable garden is start early, preferable in the fall, by turning over the soil in the fall. Furthermore, Mr. Clegg suggests the most important thing is have your soil tested. He says [once you’ve planted] ”you can’t go back and start again.” UMass and URI will do the test, which cost approximately $30. You can also buy a do-it-yourself kit, but it may not test the soil for harmful toxins like lead. Your sample (about 1 quart) to the University should represent an average of the whole garden.

Mr. Clegg suggests you give your plants room to grow, with space to walk; this will also promote a greater yield. Overwatering is a big mistake of gardening novices, a soaker hose or drip system is best.

It seems the younger generation is getting into gardening these days. He speculates it is related to the health food trends. People want to cook more fresh foods and are more aware of their health needs. To the novice, Mr. Clegg suggests you “Start slow [and] master the simple steps first before trying bigger, more complex [plants].”

Down the road from the Four Town Farm, on Route 6, is Jackie Vales, who runs the Redwood Nursery and Landscaping Service Inc. in Swansea. She has also seen a greater number of the younger generation (20s and 30s) coming to her business. Also, she says her vegetables plant sales is the highest it has ever been. Many of her customers have shown an increased interest in organic gardening. Hers is also a family oriented business, established 29 years ago. Her husband was the head gardener at Blithewold Estate in Bristol. Several of her customers pledged loyalty to her family business. Duke is a patron who remembers the Victory Gardens of World War II. Bill, also a regular, has been planting vegetable gardens for many years. Bill and Duke are from Barrington, which is not uncommon for Redwood, which sees a variety of customers from the surrounding community.

Although two very different establishments, the Redwood Nursery and Four Town Farm have a lot in common – they both have experts at the helm. Their advice is top rate and so is their desire to please their consumers. It is the kind of spirit that makes this country great and symbolizes what every American is looking for, a part of the dream.