The Modern Victory Garden

Up until August 2010 we were a family of three (myself, my husband, and our daughter) however, my daughter moved away in late July 2010 to attend college in Pennsylvania so we are now just a family of two who live on the north end of the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington state - situated very close to the shores of scenic Hood Canal.  This area is classic maritime Pacific Northwest - winters are mild and rainy and summer days are rarely hot. We live surrounded by very tall trees in a dense mixed-species forest.  Our biggest growing challenge is the lack of available sun due to the shading of trees and the often overcast climate of the area.  The most troublesome  garden pest we deal with is the reknowned pacific northwest slug.  With adjustments in varieties grown and gardening methods used to accomodate the local climate, we can grow fresh food almost year round to augment the food we preserve from the summer garden.

We have not always lived and gardened in this area.  Previously our homestead was located in the dry/hot semi-arid desert of central Washington state.   The growing environment there was almost exactly opposite of the conditions in our current location.  We relocated to Kitsap County in 2005 after living and gardening in central Washington for more than 18 years. 

My name is Laura and I am the primary gardener and family cook.  I am also the chief financial officer for a large public entity in the region and spend long days away from our property as a result.  The garden is an integral part of our lives and has been so for virtually all of my adult life - but it has to fit into a life that is demanding professionally as well.  I produce 100% of my family's vegetable needs from our garden and about 40% of our fruit needs.  I generally do not grow grains or very many dried legumes - have too limited of space with adequate sun on our current homestead and opt instead to buy these from regional growers. Periodically I do grow some dried beans in an amount sufficient to keep my saved seed stock viable and fresh (seed reserve).

Some Info About Our Garden

Click On The Photo Above To  Go To 
"Victory Garden Photos"

Click On The Calendar Image Above To Go To "The Garden Calendar" - Where Daily Notes Are Kept On Garden Activities and What's Cooking From the Daily Garden Harvest!

Click On The Photo Above To  Go To A Discussion On Raising "Potatoes In Raised Boxed Beds"