Rooted in the Land: A Brief Gardening History of Columbia County, Pennsylvania

Columbia County, nestled in the fertile valleys of northeastern Pennsylvania, has a long and evolving relationship with gardening and agriculture. From Indigenous cultivation to 19th-century homesteads and modern community gardens, the region’s gardening history reflects both cultural continuity and ecological adaptation.

Indigenous Cultivation and Early Settlers

Before European settlement, the land that is now Columbia County was home to Indigenous peoples, including the Susquehannock and Lenape, who practiced seasonal agriculture. They cultivated corn, beans, squash, and sunflowers, plants that remain staples in regional gardens today (Freeze, 1883).

European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, bringing with them gardening traditions from Germany, England, and Ireland. Early homesteads featured kitchen gardens with potatoes, cabbage, onions, and medicinal herbs. These gardens were essential for survival, providing food, remedies, and seed stock for future seasons (Freeze, 1883).

19th-Century Agricultural Expansion

By the mid-1800s, Columbia County’s agricultural economy was thriving. Farmers cultivated wheat, rye, oats, and hay, while home gardens remained central to rural life. According to John G. Freeze’s A History of Columbia County, Pennsylvania, gardening was both practical and cultural, families passed down heirloom seeds and techniques, and garden plots were often sources of pride and community exchange (Freeze, 1883).

The rise of agricultural fairs in towns like Bloomsburg further promoted gardening knowledge. These events showcased produce, flowers, and innovations in horticulture, encouraging experimentation and excellence among local growers.

20th Century to Today: From Victory Gardens to Community Plots

During World War II, Columbia County residents participated in the national Victory Garden movement, growing vegetables to support the war effort and reduce pressure on public food supply chains. These gardens reinforced self-reliance and civic duty, values that continue to shape local gardening culture.

In recent decades, gardening in Columbia County has expanded beyond private yards. Community gardens, school plots, and seed libraries have emerged to promote food access, ecological education, and intergenerational learning. The Bloomsburg Community Garden, for example, offers residents shared space to grow food and connect with neighbors, reflecting broader trends in urban agriculture and civic engagement (Town of Bloomsburg, 2025).

Conclusion

Gardening in Columbia County is more than a hobby, it’s a legacy. From Indigenous cultivation to modern sustainability efforts, the region’s gardens tell stories of adaptation, resilience, and community. As new generations sow seeds in Bloomsburg and beyond, they continue a tradition deeply rooted in the land.

References

Freeze, J. G. (1883). A history of Columbia County, Pennsylvania. Bloomsburg, Pa.: Elwell & Bittenbender. Retrieved from https://www.loc.gov/item/01010468/

Town of Bloomsburg. (2025). Community Garden. https://www.bloomsburgpa.org/community-garden/