What is a Victory Garden?
Originally called “war gardens,” Victory Gardens began during WWI and grew in popularity during WWII to reduce food shortages, feed troops overseas, and encourage self-sufficiency. In 1917, planting a "war garden" was considered a "national duty" and was wholeheartedly supported by Canadian citizens.By 1943, Canada had over 209,000 gardens, each producing an average of 550 lbs of food. During the Second World War the Camrose Victory Garden was located adjacent to the current Camrose Heritage Railway Station location – in fact, the row of trees on the west property line was the eastern border of the victory garden, where a ros of houses are currently situated. The Canadian Northern Society and volunteers of the Camrose Heritage Station site have developed this victory garden as a tribute to all ranks of Canadian military personnel in the First and Second world wars.
Healthy Soil = Healthy Plants
This Victory Garden follows organic, no-till practices that build rich, living soil
● Lasagna layering method (Cardboard,compost, leaf mulch, soil)
● No-till method using a claw tool to frequently mix mulch and compost
● Soil enrichment with bokashi bran, compost, mycorrhizal fungi, and natural fertilizers like kelp
Organic Pest Management
Rather than use pesticides, this garden promotes natural balance
● Cultural controls: crop rotation, timing, sanitation, moisture management
● Physical controls: netting, food traps, hand-picking, barriers
● Biodiversity: attracts birds, bats, and beneficial insects with flowers and habitat
● Bat boxes, bird feeders, and pollinator plants all support pest control naturally!
Insect-Repelling & Beneficial Companion Plants
Planted throughout the garden to attract pollinators, repel pests, and support health crops:
● Herbs: mint, Dill, Basil, Rosemary, Sage Parsley, Thyme, Cilantro
● Flowers: Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Sweet Peas, Calendula, Asters, Yarrow, Mums, Sea Holly, Borage, Poppies, Chrysanthemums
● Other: Sunflowers (attract birds), Garlic, Horseradish (soil health)
Below is a helpful chart of companion plants
Organic Pest Management
Rather than use pesticides, this garden promotes natural balance
● Cultural controls: crop rotation, timing, sanitation, moisture management
● Physical controls: netting, food traps, hand-picking, barriers
● Biodiversity: attracts birds, bats, and beneficial insects with flowers and habitat
● Bat boxes, bird feeders, and pollinator plants all support pest control naturally!
Insect-Repelling & Beneficial Companion Plants
Planted throughout the garden to attract pollinators, repel pests, and support health crops:
● Herbs: mint, Dill, Basil, Rosemary, Sage Parsley, Thyme, Cilantro
● Flowers: Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Sweet Peas, Calendula, Asters, Yarrow, Mums, Sea Holly, Borage, Poppies, Chrysanthemums
● Other: Sunflowers (attract birds), Garlic, Horseradish (soil health)
Below is a helpful chart of companion plants
Companion Planting Guide
Why is this important?
Victory Gardens build community resilience, sustainable food systems, and connection to the land. By gardening organically, you help protect pollinators, reduce pollution, and regenerate soil health - for the future and for now.