"Back during World War II, there was a shortage of food, and people were encouraged to grow produce for their families, friends and neighbors," says Riddle, 63. Nearly 20 million Americans planted victory gardens, which contributed to up to 40 percent of the produce consumed in the United States.

Now with another war going on, Riddle busies himself growing carrots, lettuce and tomatoes in his small plot at McClellan Ranch Park.

"The world is different now," says Riddle, who has been a certified master gardener since 1989. "We no longer have a scarcity of food. Gardening has become a recreation people can enjoy at any age."

With the coming of spring, the farm is now bustling with plowing, watering and digging. The chirping of birds, the humming of bees and the lapping of Stevens Creek also echo around the ranch.

Riddle shares the 1.2 acres of community farm at McClellan Ranch Park with 70 other Cupertino residents. Each of them has a small plot where they can plant whatever they want, but they are not allowed to use any chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

"I just like being outdoors at McClellan Ranch," Riddle says. "I used to be an aerospace engineer. Once the satellites are launched to the sky, you never see them again. But with gardening, you can smell the earth, touch the earth and enjoy the fruit of your labor."

Some residents garden so that they can have fresh salads every night.

"Gardening is very time-consuming and labor-intensive," says Ralph Eddy, a 72-year-old master gardener. "But it is exercise, and the vegetables I grow are much fresher than what I can get in the supermarket."

Many people consider coming to the farm an escape from their daily life.

Steven Booke, 44, has worked on his plot every other day since spring came. He had been on the waiting list for two years before he finally got a plot early this year. He just erected A-shaped racks on his vegetable bed to plant strawberries.

"Coming here is a diversion from my work, from my life, and of course, from the war in Iraq," says Booke, an engineer. "It is a way to get out of the house and relax."

Gardening is also a family activity for the Bookes. His wife, son and daughter help him pull the weeds and water the plants.

Like Booke, Lani Harriman just got her plot after waiting for seven years. She plans to plant herbs, baby grains and strawberries.

"The farm at McClellan Ranch Park is an oasis," says Harriman, 40. "The soil has the consistency of chocolate cake. It is beautiful and delicious."

The site is also the place where the UC Cooperative Extension master gardeners volunteers have conducted vegetable experiments.

For more information about the Cupertino Community Garden at McClellan Ranch, call Barbara Banfield at 408.777.3149.