Do You Know How New Jersey Became The “Garden State”?

How New Jersey Became The "Garden State"

A new article from Insider gives us a look at how each state in America got its nickname. Every state in America, all 50, has a nickname that the state uses to promote its identity. According to Insider, "Some are straightforward, like Delaware's nickname, the "First State."Others require a bit more of an explanation, such as how Wisconsin became the "Badger State".

Get our free mobile app

It's ironic for us here in New Jersey because a lot of the bad press the state gets, from the likes of the late-night comedy hacks, is completely opposite from the nickname the state has and has for a very good reason.

In New Jersey, the state nickname is the Garden State. According to Insider, "While the nickname originally dates back to the 1870s, the New Jersey state legislature voted to make the name official in 1954, overruling the governor to add "The Garden State" to license plates."

If you haven't already, visit some of the state's fantastic farms and see for yourself just how good New Jersey's farms are and the delicious produce that comes from the "Garden State". Among our prize crops are blueberries, cranberries, peaches, and bell peppers.

According to Google AI and NJ.gov:

• New Jersey is the third largest producer of cranberries in the country. In 2023, New Jersey produced 550,000 barrels of cranberries. 
• New Jersey is the third largest producer of peaches in the country. In 2023, New Jersey shipped 10.6 million pounds of peaches. 
• New Jersey is the third largest producer of bell peppers in the country. In 2023, bell peppers had a value of $36.05 million. 
• New Jersey is the third largest producer of spinach in the country. 
• New Jersey is the fifth largest producer of blueberries in the country. In 2023, New Jersey shipped 15.3 million pounds of blueberries. 
• New Jersey is the eighth-largest producer of tomatoes in the country. 

My personal favs here in the Garden State are Jersey Blueberries, Jersey Tomatoes, and Jersey Corn. My wife April's garden has my fav cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers.

In addition the Insider added "While the state doesn't exactly lend itself to visions of farmlands and gardens, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture reported that the state is actually among the top 10 producers of fruits and vegetables like blueberries, peaches, tomatoes, spinach, and squash, with the state's farms generating nearly $1.5 million in 2022."