In the 1940’s labor and transportation shortages due to WWII made it hard to move fruits and vegetables to market. During this time nearly 20 million Americans, encouraged in part by the Boy Scouts of America, planted their own Victory Gardens to supplement home grocery supplies. They planted gardens in backyards, empty lots, and even city rooftops. Neighbors pooled their resources, planted different kinds of foods, and formed cooperatives.

Today we are in a war against the coronavirus and the Boy Scouts are here once again to promote family self-reliance by supporting home gardening! Garden plots are being offered at the Akridge Scout Reservation just south of Dover, Delaware for any family in need of space to grow vegetables for themselves. Details of the Coronavirus Victory Gardens:

• 10’ by 20’ plots are being prepared to be offered through a lottery system. 

• Cost is $25.00 a growing season.

• Families can get 200 square feet of soil that is tested, tilled, fertilized, and ready for planting.

• Garden plots are separated from each other with 20’ wide lanes to maintain social distancing.

• Parking, tools, water, seeds and plants are all provided by the Del-Mar-Va Council.

• A team of gardening educators will assist with online instruction, site visits, and advice by email, for participating families.