The post's title is intentionally misleading... there are, of course, no rules for Victory Gardening. Your efforts should reflect your lifestyle, temperament and--most importantly--your environs.
That said, here are three of my favorite guidelines for establishing your Victory Garden in 2009. These are the points to which I return to again and again when, um, proselytizing about the movement. You'll note that these notes are more philosophical in nature, not nuts-and-bolts. That's because the specifics about gardening are boiled down on backs of seed packets and in regional garden sites and books.
Frankly, I'm interested in the heart and soul--the spirit--of Victory Gardening. And so that's how I'm approaching this post.
1. Start Small - I've said this time and time again. And it bears repeating. As tempting as it may be to establish a large garden at the outset, odds are that you'll stay motivated if you begin gradually, keeping a commitment to learn as you (and your garden) grow. For some folks, a few pots or even a hanging basket or two make a nice start. That's fine.
2. Document Your Work - Keep a simple notebook, start a blog, jot notes on Facebook or Twitter--whatever suits you. Are you visually oriented? Consider a scrapbook or upload pics to your desktop or Flickr. You'll want to refer to your notes and photos in both the short and long run as you figure out what works in your garden, from seed varieties to techniques picked up from other gardeners. Gardening isn't a cookie-cutter experience. Your notes will reflect your authentic journey and be something of a personalized "cookbook" as your garden expands and changes in months and years to come. (Trust me!)
3. Avoid Too Many Comparisons - As much as it can be helpful to compare notes with other gardeners online or over the back fence, try to keep some perspective on your own gardening results. In my experience, the most successful gardeners are those who respect the "journey" of gardening--the process of figuring out what one likes/doesn't like, what works/doesn't work in one's own yard or plot.
Readers: Do you have other tips and advice regarding Victory Gardening, especially for newcomers to the concept?
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