James Underwood Crockett

James Underwood Crockett, born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, in 1915, was a prominent figure in the world of horticulture and a gifted author. He pursued his passion for gardening through formal education, studying horticulture at the University of Massachusetts and Texas A&M, and graduating from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. His early life also included service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he served in the Pacific Theater.

Crockett's career took a significant turn when he became the original host of the popular PBS television program "The Victory Garden" in 1975. His selection for the role was influenced by his existing body of work as a gardening author. The show, initially titled "Crockett's Victory Garden," focused on home gardening and was filmed at WGBH's studios in Allston, Massachusetts. He continued to share his expertise through numerous books, including contributions to the Time-Life Encyclopedia of Gardening and his own series of gardening guides, which were notable for their unique calendar-based approach to garden tasks. Crockett passed away in 1979 from cancer while on holiday in Jamaica.

James Underwood Crockett was born on October 9, 1915, in Haverhill, Massachusetts. His parents were Earle Royce Crockett and Inez Underwood Crockett. Crockett pursued formal education in horticulture, attending the University of Massachusetts and Texas Agriculture and Mechanical College. He was also a member of the Alpha Tau Gamma Fraternity. In 1935, he completed his studies at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture in Amherst, Massachusetts, laying the groundwork for his future career.

During the 1940s, Crockett served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater. Following his military service, he transitioned into a public-facing role as a gardening expert. In April 1975, he became the inaugural host of the PBS television series "The Victory Garden," which was initially named "Crockett's Victory Garden." Producer Russell Morash selected Crockett for this role due to his prior experience writing gardening books. The program, which debuted on April 16, 1975, was dedicated to home gardening and was filmed at WGBH's studios in Allston, Massachusetts.

Crockett authored numerous gardening books, contributing significantly to the Time-Life Encyclopedia of Gardening with volumes such as "Wildflower Gardening," "Perennials," and "Flowering Shrubs." He later penned three books directly inspired by his television show: "Crockett's Victory Garden," a comprehensive guide covering vegetables, outdoor flowers, and houseplants; "Crockett's Indoor Garden," focusing on indoor plant care; and "Crockett's Flower Garden," dedicated to outdoor floral cultivation. A distinctive feature of these books was their organization by calendar year, detailing monthly gardening tasks rather than by plant type.

In 1943, James Underwood Crockett married Margaret Williams, and they relocated to San Francisco in the 1940s. After his military service, the family moved to Concord, Massachusetts. Crockett and his wife had four children: Carol, Robert, Jean, and Mary. He passed away on July 11, 1979, at the age of 63, due to cancer while on holiday in Jamaica. He is interred at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, Massachusetts. A lasting tribute to his influence is the James Underwood Crockett Memorial Garden in Massachusetts.