SWINDONIANS were advised to dig deep and get their gardens in order for 1941 as the Food Is A Munition Of War campaign continued.

Lord Woolton, the Minister Of Food, reminded the British public that half their food supplies came from overseas on ships under attack by German U boats.

“Now, here is your part in the fight for victory,” he said. “When a particular food is not available, cheerfully accept something else – home produced if possible.

“Keep loyally to the rationing regulations. Above all – whether you are shopping, cooking or eating – remember food is a munition of war. Don’t waste it.”

With home grown veg set to play an increasingly important role on the menu, the Advertiser published tips for a better yield.

Success was all in the preparation, as gardeners were told to dig at least to the full depth of the spade and to make good use of their compost heap to ensure productive soil.

Householders were encouraged to plant fewer potatoes in 1941 and to concentrate on root crops – onions, leeks and particularly winter greens.

“Efficient cultivation, combined with economy in the use of seed, will greatly assist in the national welfare and in the campaign for a greater quantity and better quality of home produced food,” reported the Advertiser and readers were advised to visit a demonstration plot to pick up tips.

Meanwhile, the Ministry Of Information addressed the topic in their regular cut out and keep newspaper item “What do I do…”

“I dig now and leave the ground rough so that the frost may act on it,” their expert said.

“If I cannot get manure I dig in leaves or any vegetable or animal matter. I give up any ground I can spare for the purpose, including flower beds and lawns.

“If I have no land I can apply to my local authority for an allotment. I do all I can now to make a start for the early spring campaign.”