During the First and Second World Wars, patriotic citizens across the country planted vegetable gardens in private yards and public spaces to support the war effort. Gardens were intended to reduce the public’s reliance on the Canadian food supply, thereby freeing up more food for frontline troops. The popularity of war gardens grew during the Second World War, and they became formally known as Victory Gardens. The movement peeked in 1944, with an estimated 209,200 Victory Gardens producing 57,000 tons of vegetables. Although this movement provided additional food for families, it was not large enough to have a major effect on the war. War gardens provided a sense of unity and patriotism to Canadians who were eager to support the war effort.