GARDENING: Being that spring is hopefully on its way, we’re sharing a story from 100 years ago on gardens.

On March 7, 1918, The Bradford Era took a look at what the Secretary of Agriculture had to say on home gardening.

It was estimated at the time that 1917 had resulted in the planting of around 200 to 300 percent more gardens than ever before.

In turn, this made the quantity of food being obtained incalculable.

“It had much to do with keeping prices down to a tolerable level,” read The Era. “It made available for our allies large amounts of foodstuffs of various kinds which would otherwise have been needed at home.”

This, according to the secretary, helped us in our preparations we needed to win the war.

“And all this in spite of the fact that the war-gardening movement got a late start,” said The Era.

It was stated that the 1918 gardening year would have an early start, and the government was completely in agreement with and supportive of the idea.

National, state and local organizations were on the job, as well as home gardeners contributing to the cause.

It was assured to those reading the article that whether they have had a garden or not, there are few who cannot learn what it is all about.

“And we have a good prospect, too, of an early spring,” said the secretary.

It seemed those individuals in 1918 were in good spirits not only for American soldiers, but for an early spring.

As winter continues to hang — despite the occasional 60-degree day — maybe those who garden or hope to do so can get an early start this year, and, maybe, just maybe, spring will decide to come so