"This book examines three programs: the National War Garden Commission, the United States School Garden Army, and the Woman's Land Army. The urgency of wartime mobilization enabled proponents to promote food production as a vital national security issue. The connection between the nation's food readiness and national security resonated within the context of America's political and cultural life"-- Provided by publisher.

Preface: sowing the seeds of victory -- Introduction: summary of the National War Gardening Effort -- The garden revolution -- In the furrows of freedom -- The United States School Garden Army -- Propaganda, posters, promotion and memory -- The Pennsylvania School of Horticulture for Women -- "Sisters of the soil": the Woman's Land Army of America -- Mobilization for nutritional defense -- Conclusion: demobilization, the trajectory of the programs and public policy implications for today.