Roanoke Rapids Herald

Gardens Over Every Inch of Land Abroad, Says Quaker

Home vegetable gardens, cultivated in spare time, have saved millions from the effects of starvation in Germany, France, and most of the rest of Europe, reports Elmore N. McKee, long stationed in Berlin as promotor of neighborhood centers for the Friends Service committee.
Scarcity of seed in 1948 may prevent many of these gardens from being planted, he said; and any seed which may be sent from this country is sure to be welcome, and skillfully used.
"Land in Western Europe is cultivated to the last square inch," said Mr. McKee. "In cities, suburbs, and small towns as well as in the country, all available space is occupied by crops.
"From a window of our office in Berlin can be seen the Tiegarten, the famous park, now entirely divided into small, fenced garden plots, assigned to families who grow vegetables there by working in their spare time.
"Official rations in Germany have provided only 1,200 calories a day, while the minimum necessary for nutrition is 1,500. For most families the extra calories, and an even larger share of vitamins, must be obtained, if at all, from vegetables grown in their garden plots. On holidays and often on work days, as soon as they are free, they take their hoes to their garden plots, and work on their precious vegetables.
"So precious are these, they must always be protected from theft, by fencing and often by locked gates. They are kept in immaculate condition, and all the people seem to be skilled gardeners. Without seed, of course, they can do nothing.
A gift of seed is sure to be welcomed."
An assortment of garden seed sufficient to produce five to ten tons of vegetables, sufficient for a year's supply to the average family, has been recommended by the U. S. Department of Agriculture for shipment abroad. Quantities, varieties, and quality of the seed to be used have been fixed by the department experts.
Most stores handling seeds will accept orders for this official assortment which is known as the ASTA European garden seed assortment. It will be shipped abroad for delivery to any individual, in 23 different countries, or delivered to a recognized charitable agency to be sent abroad and given to a family in need of seeds.