When it comes to ensuring a steady supply of food sources, especially during the winter months, having a survival garden can be a real lifesaver. By growing your own crops, you can have access to fresh and nutritious fruits, vegetables, and herbs all year round. Whether you’re canning for the long haul or simply want to enjoy the taste of homegrown produce, designing a survival garden is a step in the right direction.
One of the best vegetables to include in your survival garden is cabbage. It’s a versatile and nutrient-dense crop that can be eaten raw, cooked, or fermented into sauerkraut. Another great addition is fava beans, which are packed with protein and can be stored dried for a long time. Sweet potatoes are another superfood that can provide plenty of energy and are rich in fiber and vitamins.
Kale is a hardy crop that can withstand cold temperatures, making it a perfect addition to your survival garden. It’s also a great source of vitamins A, C, and K. Thyme is an herb that can be added to a variety of dishes and has antimicrobial properties. Melons are another great addition, as they are packed with flavor and can be enjoyed fresh or turned into refreshing drinks.
Alongside these more common crops, there are some lesser-known options that are worth considering for your survival garden. Cattail is a versatile plant that can be used for food, shelter, and as a source of energy. Sunflower seeds are not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats and protein. And don’t forget about eggs – they are a nutrient-rich food source that can provide protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Before you start planting, it’s important to ensure proper drainage in your garden. Adding compost and organic matter to the soil will improve its fertility and ensure healthy plant growth. If you’re new to gardening, it may be helpful to consult with an experienced gardener or take a gardening course. And remember, even if you don’t have much space, you can always grow some of these crops in containers or raised beds.
With the ongoing pandemic, many people have turned to gardening as a way to stay busy and be more self-sufficient. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, adding these 20 crops to your survival garden is a great way to ensure you have a variety of nutritious food sources for whatever may happen next.
Growing a Survival Garden with Staple Crops
When it comes to growing a survival garden, it’s important to focus on staple crops. These crops are not only rich in flavor and packed with essential nutrients, but they are also relatively easy to grow and store, making them ideal for long-term survival situations.
Learning how to grow these staple crops is something every survivalist should consider doing. By knowing how to grow and harvest their own food, they can rely less on grocery stores and ensure they have a sustainable source of nutrition no matter what happens.
One of the top staple crops to consider planting in a survival garden is kale. This leafy green is not only extremely nutrient-dense, but it’s also very easy to grow. Kale can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, making it accessible to those with limited land or space. It’s also a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups.
Another staple crop to include in a survival garden is squash. Squash is highly nutritious and can be grown in large quantities without much effort. It’s also a great source of calories, making it an ideal food for long-term survival. Whether you choose to grow zucchini, butternut squash, or acorn squash, you’ll be able to enjoy their delicious flavors and abundant harvest.
Tomatoes are another must-have staple crop for any survival garden. They are easy to grow and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sauces. Tomatoes are high in vitamins and minerals, and they add a burst of flavor to any meal. Whether you grow cherry tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, or Roma tomatoes, you’ll have plenty to eat and preserve for the future.
Garlic is also a great addition to a survival garden. Not only does it add flavor to your meals, but it also has many health benefits. Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it an excellent immune booster. It’s also relatively easy to grow and store, making it a reliable source of flavor and nutrition.
If you love spicy flavors, consider growing peppers in your survival garden. Peppers, whether they are bell peppers, jalapenos, or habaneros, can add a kick to any dish. They are packed with vitamins and minerals and can be easily dried or used fresh. Peppers are also great for making salsa, which can be a tasty and nutritious addition to your diet.
When designing your survival garden, it’s important to think creatively and consider all the factors that may affect your crops. Research the best planting techniques for each crop and any companion plants that can help them thrive.
By growing a variety of staple crops in your survival garden, you’ll ensure a diverse and nutritious diet. Whether you’re able to spend a lot of time in the garden or have limited resources, these crops will provide you with the essential nutrients you need to thrive.
Don’t forget to stock up on seeds for these staple crops, as well as any other crops you would like to grow. It’s always better to be prepared and have plenty of seeds on hand, just in case.
In conclusion, growing a survival garden with staple crops is a wise strategy for any survivalist. These crops are not only easy to grow and store, but they also provide high levels of nutrition. By researching and planning your garden layout, stocking up on seeds, and learning about companion planting, you can ensure a successful and bountiful harvest.
Why Plant a Survival Garden
Planting a survival garden is a wise decision for anyone who wants to be prepared for unexpected events or emergencies. No one can predict what might happen in the future, and having a sustainable source of food is a valuable resource.
Gardening is not just a hobby, it is a practical skill that can sustain you and your family during difficult times. By learning how to grow your own food, you become less reliant on grocery stores and other external sources for sustenance.
A survival garden provides an assortment of crops that can be managed throughout the seasons. It gives you the ability to grow an abundance of nutritious fruits, vegetables, and berries, even in challenging situations.
Some gardeners like to focus on crops that are high in calories and can sustain the body for extended periods, such as potatoes and pumpkins. Others prefer to stock their gardens with a variety of flavors, like herbs, tomatoes for salsa, and berries for preserving or freezing.
Here are some tips to consider when designing your survival garden:
- Plan for a variety of crops that can be harvested at different times of the year.
- Consider companion planting to maximize space and resources.
- Start plants from seeds or seedlings early in the gardening season to ensure a successful harvest.
- Include easy-to-grow crops like carrots, kale, and tomatoes.
- Utilize vertical space by growing vining plants like cucumbers and beans on trellises.
- Create raised beds or container gardens for those with limited space.
- Add herbs like thyme and basil for added flavor and medicinal purposes.
- Invest in ducks or other animals for pest control and composting.
- Be creative with your garden design to maximize productivity and efficiency.
In addition to providing a reliable source of food, a survival garden can also save you money. By growing your own produce, you’ll spend less on groceries and have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what you’re eating. Plus, homegrown fruits and vegetables are often more flavorful and nutrient-dense than store-bought alternatives.
So, don’t wait for a crisis to happen. Start planning and planting your survival garden today, and you’ll be one step closer to achieving food security and self-sufficiency.
Grow Some Greens
When it comes to survival gardening, growing greens should be a top priority. Here’s why:
Greens are packed with essential nutrients that your body needs to survive. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy.
Greens are relatively easy to grow and maintain in your garden. They don’t require a lot of space or special attention. With a little patience and care, you can successfully grow a variety of greens.
In a survival situation, having a garden full of greens will provide you with a fresh source of food. While fruits and other crops may require additional time to grow and mature, most greens can be harvested within a few weeks to a couple of months.
Greens can be harvested in smaller quantities as needed, allowing you to enjoy fresh, nutritious food throughout the year. Unlike some fruits and vegetables that need to be stored or preserved, greens can be picked and consumed right away.
Another benefit of growing greens is that they can be used as a source of greens year-round. Even during the winter months, when other crops may not be able to survive, greens can grow with the right care and attention.
So, what greens should you grow in your survival garden? Here’s a selection of greens that are easy to grow and can provide you with a source of food:
– Lettuce: A popular choice among gardeners, lettuce is easy to grow and can be enjoyed in salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish.
– Spinach: Packed with vitamins and minerals, spinach is a superfood that should be included in your garden.
– Kale: Known for its high nutritional value, kale is a hardy green that can survive in cold weather.
– Swiss chard: With its colorful stems and large leaves, Swiss chard is not only delicious but also visually appealing.
– Collard greens: A staple in Southern cuisine, collard greens are known for their rich flavor and hearty texture.
When planning your garden layout, make sure to allocate enough space for your greens. They’ll need plenty of light and good drainage to thrive. If you’re not sure where to start, consider planting some of the most popular greens mentioned above.
One tip for managing your greens is to harvest the leaves as needed instead of pulling out the entire plant. This way, the plant can continue growing and producing more leaves throughout the season.
With the right care and attention, your survival garden will be able to provide you with a steady supply of greens year-round. So don’t wait any longer – get started on your green garden today!
