Victory Gardens... and Chickens

Posted by Rachael - Dine a Chook Australia

Jul 08, 2020

Time to plant a Victory Garden

Australians, it's time to consider planting a Victory Garden and building a chicken coop! While it’s not World War Two, the rising cost of living may make it feel like we’re in a different kind of battle. Just as in the 1940s, Victory Gardens can be an effective way to tackle today’s challenges by helping reduce household expenses and promoting self-sufficiency.

Key Takeaways

Victory Gardens can help reduce the impact of Australia's cost of living crisis.
Growing food and keeping chickens lowers grocery bills and boosts sustainability.
Even small spaces can support a garden, while chickens provide eggs and natural fertilizer.
Victory Gardens offer security by reducing reliance on supermarkets during disruptions like natural disasters, or COVID!
Self-sufficiency through homegrown food eases anxiety over rising costs.

What are Victory Gardens?

During World War Two, drought and labour shortages had serious impacts on the food supply. The government responded by asking us to become more self-sufficient to help support the wartime economy.

Hundreds of thousands of Australians, who were already doing it tough, mucked in. They started keeping chickens and growing vegetables in Victory Gardens. They even started veggie gardens on vacant blocks!

Today, we face new economic pressures. Growing your own food and raising chickens are not just nostalgic ideas from the past but practical solutions to combat rising living costs while promoting sustainability.

Why a Victory Garden and chickens makes sense now

With the cost of living soaring—whether it's food, fuel, or everyday essentials—Australians are feeling the pinch.

Growing your own food reduces the financial pressure on your household. Organic gardening and free-range chickens are less reliant on fossil fuels, making them even more cost-effective in the long run. Plus, the benefits go beyond savings. In recent years, we’ve seen supermarket shelves stripped bare due to panic buying, supply chain disruptions, and natural disasters like bushfires and floods. Having a home-grown supply of food gives you peace of mind, knowing that you're more resilient in times of crisis.

Small space? No problem!

You don’t need acres of land to start growing your own produce. Simple things like salad greens, tomatoes, and herbs can thrive in small backyards or even in containers on your balcony.

If you have a bit more space, consider adding chickens to the mix (if council regulations allow). Chickens not only provide you with fresh eggs but also contribute to your garden by offering free fertilizer, affectionately called “black gold” by gardeners.

Benefits of growing your own food

The rewards of homegrown food go beyond financial savings. Here’s why planting a Victory Garden and keeping chickens could be your next best move:

Cut your grocery bills: Fresh veggies and eggs reduce your reliance on store-bought food, saving you money.
Be prepared for the unexpected: Whether it's natural disasters, economic shutdowns, or empty shelves, self-sufficiency boosts your household resilience.
Lower anxiety: Knowing you can feed your family from your own garden can ease the stress of rising costs and food shortages.
Support the environment: Less reliance on supermarkets means fewer food miles and reduced use of fossil fuels.
Help your community: Extra produce can be shared with neighbors or those in need.
Know your food's origins: You control what goes into your food—no hidden chemicals or preservatives.
Enjoy fresh, nutritious food: There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of eating what you’ve grown with your own hands.

Fresh eggs: The ultimate home-grown food

Eggs are one of the most nutritious foods you can produce at home. Keeping a few backyard chickens can provide enough eggs to meet your family’s needs with minimal effort. Chickens require only a well-built coop, some high-quality feed, and a little daily care in exchange for a reliable supply of fresh, nutritious eggs.

In comparison to other pets, chickens are relatively low-maintenance. Plus, they can be a source of entertainment and joy for your family. If you’re already gardening, their manure doubles as an excellent fertilizer, further cutting costs by reducing the need for store-bought products.

Now’s the perfect time to start

With the cost of living rising and many Australians spending more time at home, there’s never been a better moment to start a Victory Garden or build a chicken coop. It’s a rewarding project that can involve the whole family and deliver long-term benefits. If you're thinking of starting your chicken-keeping journey, we've got plenty of advice to help you get started.

Plant a Victory Garden. Keep chickens. Reduce your costs. Become more self-sufficient. It’s a step toward a more sustainable, secure future for you and your family.

If you are thinking of getting chickens for the first time, we have plenty of experience and advice to share. You might like to know:

Happy chicken keeping!

Rachael at Dine a Chook Australia